New Bedford Highway Murders 1988-1989
The largest criminal investigation in the region was underway when eleven (11) women had disappeared between April and September 1988. During the months of July 1988 and April 1989 the bodies of nine (9) of the eleven (11) missing women were being discovered along local highways.
The remaining missing two (2) women have never been found; they are presumed dead. None of the victims were actually found in New Bedford, yet the case became known as the New Bedford Highway Killings.
The largest criminal investigation in the region was underway when eleven (11) women had disappeared between April and September 1988. During the months of July 1988 and April 1989 the bodies of nine (9) of the eleven (11) missing women were being discovered along local highways.
The remaining missing two (2) women have never been found; they are presumed dead. None of the victims were actually found in New Bedford, yet the case became known as the New Bedford Highway Killings.
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Route 195 Dartmouth
Connecticut State Police K-9
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Route 140 South in Freetown
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Southcoast Murders and Mysteries is proud to be one of the many contributors for the upcoming documentary on the New Bedford Highway Killings Case.
Robbin "Bobby Lyn" Rhodes (28)
Robin was last seen in New Bedford in April 1988 by her mother. Her remains were discovered on March 28, 1989, along Route 140 southbound in Freetown by a Connecticut State Police K-9. Her remains were positively identified in April 1989. She was drug dependent but never involved prostitution and was friends with several of the other victims.
Rochelle Clifford Dopierala (28)
Rochelle was last seen in New Bedford in April 1988. Her remains were discovered on December 10, 1988, in a gravel pit off Reed Road in Dartmouth, about 2 miles from Route 195. Her remains were positively identified in December 1988.
Debroh Lynn McConnell (35)
Debroh was last seen in New Bedford in May 1988 by her father at a cemetery after they had buried her mother. Her remains were discovered on December 1, 1988, along Route 140 northbound in Freetown by a Connecticut State Police K-9. Her remains were positively identified in March 1989.
Debra Medeiros (30)
Debra was last seen in New Bedford on May 27,1988 after ending a relationship with her boyfriend. Her remains were discovered on July 3, 1988, approximately 30 feet off Route 140 northbound in Freetown by a motorist making a pit stop. The severely decomposed remains were partially clothed, a bra around its neck. It was determined the remains had been there for a few months. Her remains were positively identified in December 1988. Debra was known to law enforcement for long standing substance abuse issues but no record of prostitution.
Nancy Paiva (36)
Nancy was last seen in New Bedford on July 7, 1988, after walking out of "Whisper's Pub" in the South End of New Bedford after having an argument with her boyfriend. She was reported missing to New Bedford Police. Her remains were discovered on July 30, 1988, off the eastbound Reed Road exit ramp to Route 195 in Dartmouth. Her remains were positively identified in December 1988.
She had no involvement in prostitution but had a history of substance abuse. She was in a very difficult domestic violence situation with a heroin dealer named Frankie Pina. Detectives took the case seriously when Frankie reported her missing.
Deborah DeMello Greenlaw (35)
Deborah was last seen in New Bedford on July 11, 1988. Her remains were discovered on November 8, 1988, along Route 195 1.5 miles east of the Reed Road exit in Dartmouth. Her remains were positively identified in December 1988.
She had walked away from a prison work-release program in Rhode Island on June 18, 1988, after charges for prostitution and had a history of substance abuse. Her remains were concealed by trees and her clothes were strewn in the nearby tree branches. She was found with some belongings of Nancy Paiva.
Mary Rose Santos (26)
Mary Rose as last seen in New Bedford on July 16, 1988, at the Old Quarterdeck Lounge in the early morning hours. Her remains were discovered on March 31,1989, along Route 88 in Westport. Her remains were positively identified in April 1989.
Sandra Botelho (24)
Sandra was last seen in New Bedford on August 11, 1988, after leaving her apartment. Her remains were discovered on April 24, 1989, along Route 195 in Marion. Her remains were positively identified in April 1989. She was a known to be involved in prostitution and substance abuse.
Dawn Mendes (24)
Dawn was last seen in New Bedford on September 4, 1988, walking from her South End apartment to a family christening party. Her remains were discovered on November 29, 1988, along Route 195 westbound ramp to Reed Road in Dartmouth by a Connecticut State Police K-9. She had a history of prostitution and substance abuse.
Robin was last seen in New Bedford in April 1988 by her mother. Her remains were discovered on March 28, 1989, along Route 140 southbound in Freetown by a Connecticut State Police K-9. Her remains were positively identified in April 1989. She was drug dependent but never involved prostitution and was friends with several of the other victims.
Rochelle Clifford Dopierala (28)
Rochelle was last seen in New Bedford in April 1988. Her remains were discovered on December 10, 1988, in a gravel pit off Reed Road in Dartmouth, about 2 miles from Route 195. Her remains were positively identified in December 1988.
Debroh Lynn McConnell (35)
Debroh was last seen in New Bedford in May 1988 by her father at a cemetery after they had buried her mother. Her remains were discovered on December 1, 1988, along Route 140 northbound in Freetown by a Connecticut State Police K-9. Her remains were positively identified in March 1989.
Debra Medeiros (30)
Debra was last seen in New Bedford on May 27,1988 after ending a relationship with her boyfriend. Her remains were discovered on July 3, 1988, approximately 30 feet off Route 140 northbound in Freetown by a motorist making a pit stop. The severely decomposed remains were partially clothed, a bra around its neck. It was determined the remains had been there for a few months. Her remains were positively identified in December 1988. Debra was known to law enforcement for long standing substance abuse issues but no record of prostitution.
Nancy Paiva (36)
Nancy was last seen in New Bedford on July 7, 1988, after walking out of "Whisper's Pub" in the South End of New Bedford after having an argument with her boyfriend. She was reported missing to New Bedford Police. Her remains were discovered on July 30, 1988, off the eastbound Reed Road exit ramp to Route 195 in Dartmouth. Her remains were positively identified in December 1988.
She had no involvement in prostitution but had a history of substance abuse. She was in a very difficult domestic violence situation with a heroin dealer named Frankie Pina. Detectives took the case seriously when Frankie reported her missing.
Deborah DeMello Greenlaw (35)
Deborah was last seen in New Bedford on July 11, 1988. Her remains were discovered on November 8, 1988, along Route 195 1.5 miles east of the Reed Road exit in Dartmouth. Her remains were positively identified in December 1988.
She had walked away from a prison work-release program in Rhode Island on June 18, 1988, after charges for prostitution and had a history of substance abuse. Her remains were concealed by trees and her clothes were strewn in the nearby tree branches. She was found with some belongings of Nancy Paiva.
Mary Rose Santos (26)
Mary Rose as last seen in New Bedford on July 16, 1988, at the Old Quarterdeck Lounge in the early morning hours. Her remains were discovered on March 31,1989, along Route 88 in Westport. Her remains were positively identified in April 1989.
Sandra Botelho (24)
Sandra was last seen in New Bedford on August 11, 1988, after leaving her apartment. Her remains were discovered on April 24, 1989, along Route 195 in Marion. Her remains were positively identified in April 1989. She was a known to be involved in prostitution and substance abuse.
Dawn Mendes (24)
Dawn was last seen in New Bedford on September 4, 1988, walking from her South End apartment to a family christening party. Her remains were discovered on November 29, 1988, along Route 195 westbound ramp to Reed Road in Dartmouth by a Connecticut State Police K-9. She had a history of prostitution and substance abuse.
 Christine Monteiro
Christine Monteiro (19) Presumed Victim Missing
Christine was last seen in New Bedford in May 1988. She was known to have substance abuse issues. She has never been located and remains missing. She was the stepdaughter of a deceased Dartmouth Police officer. |
 Marilyn Roberts
Marilyn Roberts (34) Presumed Victim
Missing Marilyn was last seen in New Bedford June 1988. She was known to have substance abuse issues. Family thought she had moved to the West Coast to live with a relative. In December 1988 her family reported her missing. She was the daughter of a retired New Bedford Police officer. |
Mysterious Anonymous Letter 1989
A letter reached District Attorney Pina on March 16, 1989, telling him that investigators might find a body along Route 88. If a body was found, the author said they might come forward. After two boys found the body of Mary Rose Santos, the informant allegedly contacted authorities.
At the time DA spokesperson Jim Martin said ″He (an informant) witnessed an event taking place along Route 88 and this person is providing us with some good information and we need to protect this person. ″ It was reported by Martin that the DA's office Investigators had met with the informant in secret and at various locations to maintain the informant’s anonymity. The letter was never seen by investigators and Martin has no recollection of this letter. The letter and was never presented as evidence to this day has never been found.
A letter reached District Attorney Pina on March 16, 1989, telling him that investigators might find a body along Route 88. If a body was found, the author said they might come forward. After two boys found the body of Mary Rose Santos, the informant allegedly contacted authorities.
At the time DA spokesperson Jim Martin said ″He (an informant) witnessed an event taking place along Route 88 and this person is providing us with some good information and we need to protect this person. ″ It was reported by Martin that the DA's office Investigators had met with the informant in secret and at various locations to maintain the informant’s anonymity. The letter was never seen by investigators and Martin has no recollection of this letter. The letter and was never presented as evidence to this day has never been found.
Grand Jury Investigation
The Bristol County Grand Jury investigating the Highway Murders case did review these unsolved cases for possible connections. These cases weren't added to the Highway Murder case due to the fact none of these victims weren't dumped on a highway or near a highway. Although Herman Melville Blvd runs alongside Route 18.
The Bristol County Grand Jury investigating the Highway Murders case did review these unsolved cases for possible connections. These cases weren't added to the Highway Murder case due to the fact none of these victims weren't dumped on a highway or near a highway. Although Herman Melville Blvd runs alongside Route 18.
Shirley J. Partin
Shirley J. Partin Unsolved Murder 1985
In September 1985 the body of Shirley J. Partin was discovered along the railroad tracks near 281 Herman Melville Blvd. She was beaten, strangled and then her body was hidden under a commercial-sized generator platform.
In September 1985 the body of Shirley J. Partin was discovered along the railroad tracks near 281 Herman Melville Blvd. She was beaten, strangled and then her body was hidden under a commercial-sized generator platform.
Dorothy Danielson
Dorothy Danielson Unsolved Murder 1986
On July 16, 1986, the body of Dorothy Danielson (20) was discovered along the railroad tracks on Herman Melville Blvd. She was sexually assaulted with a foreign object, beaten, and strangled.
Her body was discovered 600 feet from the site where Shirley Partin's body was discovered in 1985.
Dorothy was from Fall River, and her roommate of another homicide victim, Gayle Botelho.
On July 16, 1986, the body of Dorothy Danielson (20) was discovered along the railroad tracks on Herman Melville Blvd. She was sexually assaulted with a foreign object, beaten, and strangled.
Her body was discovered 600 feet from the site where Shirley Partin's body was discovered in 1985.
Dorothy was from Fall River, and her roommate of another homicide victim, Gayle Botelho.
Joanne Andrade
Joanne Andrade Unsolved Murder 1987
On October 25, 1987, the body of Joanne Andrade (35) was discovered floating in the water off the State Pier. She was beaten, and strangled. Her body was discovered 1/2 mile from the site where Shirley Partin and Dorothy Danielson were discovered. Autopsy results determined her time of death was 14 hours prior to her discovery. She was from Dartmouth.
On October 25, 1987, the body of Joanne Andrade (35) was discovered floating in the water off the State Pier. She was beaten, and strangled. Her body was discovered 1/2 mile from the site where Shirley Partin and Dorothy Danielson were discovered. Autopsy results determined her time of death was 14 hours prior to her discovery. She was from Dartmouth.
Franklin J. Pina
The Highway Killing Case started with Franklin Pina reporting his girlfriend missing to New Bedford Police Department. Franklin had resided with Nancy Paiva and Rochelle Clifford Dopierala. Franklin was the last person to see Rochelle alive on April 27, 1988, and he was with Nancy Paiva before she went missing on July 7, 1988. Franklin was incarcerated in July 1988 on unrelated crimes when Sandra Bothelo went missing on August 11, 1988.
There is no evidence indicating Franklin was involved in the case. The one and only law enforcement official to interview Franklin was Detective Dextradeur from New Bedford Police Department, who retired during the highway killing investigation. Franklin was interviewed by the Grand Jury, but testimony indicated he was only questioned about Attorney Kenneth Ponte.
Attorney Kenneth Ponte Deceased 2010
New Bedford Attorney Kenneth Ponte had received a pardon for a drug-possession arrest and then became a lawyer. Ponte was known for his substance abuse and his connections to three (3) of the victims, all of which he represented in court proceedings. Ponte also had a relationship with Rochelle Dopierala for a short period of time.
On October 10, 1988, Ponte closed his law office and moved to Port Richey Florida. Although this raised suspicions with law enforcement, it was determined he’d talked about moving to Florida for a year.
On January 18, 1989, Ponte returned to New Bedford Superior Court after a grand jury indicted him on the gun charge from April 1988.
On August 17, 1990, Ponte was arraigned on one (1) count of murder (Rochelle Dopierla) after being indicted by a grand jury investigating the Highway Killings. The indictment accused Ponte of beating Rochelle Dopierla to death on April 27, 1988. Ponte entered a not guilty plea and was released on $500,000 bond. District Attorney Pina suggested Ponte killed Rochelle because she was allegedly planning on exposing Pontes drug activities.
On July 29, 1991, The DA's Office announced the murder charges against Ponte were dismissed due to lack of evidence. A theory, swirled around the possibility the murders were connected to the production of snuff films. It was rumored that one (or several) of the victims were involved in the casting. This theory was dismissed by investigators, since no evidence could support the theory. Hundreds of videos were recovered from the home of Kenneth Ponte, none of these films contained and of the victims or were produced locally.
In May 1997 Ponte was disbarred for using $12,000 of a client's insurance settlement for personal use. On May 15, 2009, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Pontes former home at 106 Chestnut Street, which was taken in foreclosure by the bank. The warrant was for the driveway and a concrete slab patio. The patio was poured around the time the women began to disappear. It was rumored Christine Monteiro was buried under the patio; no evidence was discovered. The excavation was publicized and ignited rage among some victims’ family members who viewed it as a publicity stunt.
On January 26, 2010, Ponte was found dead at his home at 366 Austin Street. The cause of death was ruled natural causes, although significant drug paraphernalia was discovered along with the body.
Anthony DeGrazia “Flat Nose” Deceased 1991 Suicide
Anthony DeGrazia (29) was known to frequent the services of prostitutes. In May 1989, DeGrazia was charged with four counts of rape, six counts of assault and battery, and one count of assault with intent to rape, charges stemming from attacks on prostitutes during the same timeframe.
Anthony was held on bail. Anthony not being able to reach this bail would spend the next 13 months in the county jail on these allegations brought against him by the District Attorney Ronald Pina. Anthony would have 18 court appearances during his 13 months of incarceration in the county jail. Anthony's defense attorney filed 18 motions before the court for the DA's office to produce documents or of evidence. Each motion was continually denied by the presiding Judge. Finally, Anthony fired Attorney Harrington and hired a Boston Attorney by the name of Robert A. George Esq. Attorney George filed a contempt on the District Attorney's office for non-production of evidence and the Judge had no choice but to lower Anthony's bail. Anthony was released from jail on June 27, 1990.
Immediately after Anthony was released on bail, he was rearrested for allegedly uttering threats to the DA Ronald Pina for wrongful prosecution and imprisonment. Anthony again posted bond and was re-released. Anthony was interviewed by the grand jury but was never charged.
On July 27,1991 Anthony was found dead outside his ex-girlfriend's home in Freetown. His death was ruled a homicide by Freetown Police and medical examiner. However, the District Attorney's Office later ruled his death a suicide. Special Prosecutor Paul Buckley publicly stated it was a timely thing that Anthony took his own life after being made aware that he was now being considered the prime suspect in connection in the New Bedford Highway Killings Case. Later this statement was retracted by the DA's office.
There is no evidence linking Anthony to any of the rapes or assaults he was charged with, nor any evidence connecting Anthony to the Highway Killings.
Neil Anderson Deceased 2021
Neil Anderson caught the eyes of investigators but was quickly dismissed. He was identified as being involved with assaulting and raping prostitutes from Weld Square area during the Highway Killings. Neil lived near the Weld Square area at the time and was known to police.
He was charged with rape and intent to rape for an incident on Copicut Road in Dartmouth. He was indicted in an additional rape that took place in the Reservation in Fall River. He was interviewed by the grand jury but never charged.
Louis DeSousa Deported to Portugal
DeSousa, was convicted and deported to Portugal in 2010 after a 1989 vicious attack and rape with a pipe and bottle at Fort Taber in New Bedford. He was never interviewed by the Grand Jury, nor was a DNA sample taken
James Baker Deceased 2007
A resident of Tiverton, was briefly investigated, did testify in front of the Grand Jury. He passed a polygraph exam and was dismissed as a suspect. He died in Florida.
The Highway Killing Case started with Franklin Pina reporting his girlfriend missing to New Bedford Police Department. Franklin had resided with Nancy Paiva and Rochelle Clifford Dopierala. Franklin was the last person to see Rochelle alive on April 27, 1988, and he was with Nancy Paiva before she went missing on July 7, 1988. Franklin was incarcerated in July 1988 on unrelated crimes when Sandra Bothelo went missing on August 11, 1988.
There is no evidence indicating Franklin was involved in the case. The one and only law enforcement official to interview Franklin was Detective Dextradeur from New Bedford Police Department, who retired during the highway killing investigation. Franklin was interviewed by the Grand Jury, but testimony indicated he was only questioned about Attorney Kenneth Ponte.
Attorney Kenneth Ponte Deceased 2010
New Bedford Attorney Kenneth Ponte had received a pardon for a drug-possession arrest and then became a lawyer. Ponte was known for his substance abuse and his connections to three (3) of the victims, all of which he represented in court proceedings. Ponte also had a relationship with Rochelle Dopierala for a short period of time.
On October 10, 1988, Ponte closed his law office and moved to Port Richey Florida. Although this raised suspicions with law enforcement, it was determined he’d talked about moving to Florida for a year.
On January 18, 1989, Ponte returned to New Bedford Superior Court after a grand jury indicted him on the gun charge from April 1988.
On August 17, 1990, Ponte was arraigned on one (1) count of murder (Rochelle Dopierla) after being indicted by a grand jury investigating the Highway Killings. The indictment accused Ponte of beating Rochelle Dopierla to death on April 27, 1988. Ponte entered a not guilty plea and was released on $500,000 bond. District Attorney Pina suggested Ponte killed Rochelle because she was allegedly planning on exposing Pontes drug activities.
On July 29, 1991, The DA's Office announced the murder charges against Ponte were dismissed due to lack of evidence. A theory, swirled around the possibility the murders were connected to the production of snuff films. It was rumored that one (or several) of the victims were involved in the casting. This theory was dismissed by investigators, since no evidence could support the theory. Hundreds of videos were recovered from the home of Kenneth Ponte, none of these films contained and of the victims or were produced locally.
In May 1997 Ponte was disbarred for using $12,000 of a client's insurance settlement for personal use. On May 15, 2009, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Pontes former home at 106 Chestnut Street, which was taken in foreclosure by the bank. The warrant was for the driveway and a concrete slab patio. The patio was poured around the time the women began to disappear. It was rumored Christine Monteiro was buried under the patio; no evidence was discovered. The excavation was publicized and ignited rage among some victims’ family members who viewed it as a publicity stunt.
On January 26, 2010, Ponte was found dead at his home at 366 Austin Street. The cause of death was ruled natural causes, although significant drug paraphernalia was discovered along with the body.
Anthony DeGrazia “Flat Nose” Deceased 1991 Suicide
Anthony DeGrazia (29) was known to frequent the services of prostitutes. In May 1989, DeGrazia was charged with four counts of rape, six counts of assault and battery, and one count of assault with intent to rape, charges stemming from attacks on prostitutes during the same timeframe.
Anthony was held on bail. Anthony not being able to reach this bail would spend the next 13 months in the county jail on these allegations brought against him by the District Attorney Ronald Pina. Anthony would have 18 court appearances during his 13 months of incarceration in the county jail. Anthony's defense attorney filed 18 motions before the court for the DA's office to produce documents or of evidence. Each motion was continually denied by the presiding Judge. Finally, Anthony fired Attorney Harrington and hired a Boston Attorney by the name of Robert A. George Esq. Attorney George filed a contempt on the District Attorney's office for non-production of evidence and the Judge had no choice but to lower Anthony's bail. Anthony was released from jail on June 27, 1990.
Immediately after Anthony was released on bail, he was rearrested for allegedly uttering threats to the DA Ronald Pina for wrongful prosecution and imprisonment. Anthony again posted bond and was re-released. Anthony was interviewed by the grand jury but was never charged.
On July 27,1991 Anthony was found dead outside his ex-girlfriend's home in Freetown. His death was ruled a homicide by Freetown Police and medical examiner. However, the District Attorney's Office later ruled his death a suicide. Special Prosecutor Paul Buckley publicly stated it was a timely thing that Anthony took his own life after being made aware that he was now being considered the prime suspect in connection in the New Bedford Highway Killings Case. Later this statement was retracted by the DA's office.
There is no evidence linking Anthony to any of the rapes or assaults he was charged with, nor any evidence connecting Anthony to the Highway Killings.
Neil Anderson Deceased 2021
Neil Anderson caught the eyes of investigators but was quickly dismissed. He was identified as being involved with assaulting and raping prostitutes from Weld Square area during the Highway Killings. Neil lived near the Weld Square area at the time and was known to police.
He was charged with rape and intent to rape for an incident on Copicut Road in Dartmouth. He was indicted in an additional rape that took place in the Reservation in Fall River. He was interviewed by the grand jury but never charged.
Louis DeSousa Deported to Portugal
DeSousa, was convicted and deported to Portugal in 2010 after a 1989 vicious attack and rape with a pipe and bottle at Fort Taber in New Bedford. He was never interviewed by the Grand Jury, nor was a DNA sample taken
James Baker Deceased 2007
A resident of Tiverton, was briefly investigated, did testify in front of the Grand Jury. He passed a polygraph exam and was dismissed as a suspect. He died in Florida.
Evidence in storage from the Highway Murders
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DNA Evidence
In late 2007, the District Attorney's Office took advantage of the state police lab’s offer to re-examine forensic evidence from the case, which hadn’t been looked at for five years. The office sent four pallets worth of evidence to the Massachusetts State Crime Lab for inspection. Evidence included grass, leaves, glass, bones, clothing, hair and fibers. Unfortunately, most of the bodies were badly decayed, battered by elements and subject to contamination by animals, the chances of finding the perpetrator’s DNA on the victims or their clothing are slim.
The evidence from the Highway Killings case sits inside a nondescript but intensely monitored brick building in Bridgewater. Each item is carefully cataloged, packed in boxes and stacked on four wooden pallets reaching nearly six feet high. The stored evidence - which requires a high-level security clearance - but photos supplied by the Massachusetts State Police speak to the volume of material gathered over decades of investigation. The serial killings predated DNA technology, but in 2008 some of the evidence was sent to the FBI for testing. The results are now stored in a federal database, waiting for a potential match that would alert authorities.
Using DNA to solve crimes was unheard of in 1988. Police reports were either hand-written or prepared on a manual typewriter. Science is far more superior than it was in 1988. Problems at the crime scenes, specifically the collection of DNA was difficult. The remains were outdoors for months before being discovered. Additionally, crime scenes had been contaminated by animals and the elements, which possibly washed away valuable evidence. In some of the cases, the clothing was on the bodies, while in others it was found at or near the remains. The length of time the victims were out there complicated the investigation. You need a smaller and smaller amount of DNA for a sample, while in the past, “a swab” was needed. Now, only “a pin prick” is sufficient. The likelihood of finding suspects DNA would be very, very small at this point.
Politics and the District Attorney's Office
The largest criminal investigation in the region was underway and DA Ronald Pina was attempting to solve the case. Political pressure was mounting to solve the case with no results, in 1990 Pina lost re-election and Paul Walsh Jr. was elected. Walsh also publicly committed to solve the case, and on March 7, 1991, appointed Paul Buckley as special prosecutor.
On July 29, 1991, the murder charge against Ponte was dropped due to lack of evidence by the special prosecutor. The case went cold. Walsh and two of the original investigators believed Anthony DeGrazia was the Highway Killer, and by taking his own life, it was an admission of guilt. In 2006 Samuel Sutter was elected District Attorney, he committed to solving cold cases within Bristol County. Many cases were solved, but not the Highway Killings. Sutter was not convinced that Anthony DeGrazia was the killer and felt the evidence doesn't point to that person.
In late 2007, the District Attorney's Office took advantage of the state police lab’s offer to re-examine forensic evidence from the case, which hadn’t been looked at for five years. The office sent four pallets worth of evidence to the Massachusetts State Crime Lab for inspection. Evidence included grass, leaves, glass, bones, clothing, hair and fibers. Unfortunately, most of the bodies were badly decayed, battered by elements and subject to contamination by animals, the chances of finding the perpetrator’s DNA on the victims or their clothing are slim.
The evidence from the Highway Killings case sits inside a nondescript but intensely monitored brick building in Bridgewater. Each item is carefully cataloged, packed in boxes and stacked on four wooden pallets reaching nearly six feet high. The stored evidence - which requires a high-level security clearance - but photos supplied by the Massachusetts State Police speak to the volume of material gathered over decades of investigation. The serial killings predated DNA technology, but in 2008 some of the evidence was sent to the FBI for testing. The results are now stored in a federal database, waiting for a potential match that would alert authorities.
Using DNA to solve crimes was unheard of in 1988. Police reports were either hand-written or prepared on a manual typewriter. Science is far more superior than it was in 1988. Problems at the crime scenes, specifically the collection of DNA was difficult. The remains were outdoors for months before being discovered. Additionally, crime scenes had been contaminated by animals and the elements, which possibly washed away valuable evidence. In some of the cases, the clothing was on the bodies, while in others it was found at or near the remains. The length of time the victims were out there complicated the investigation. You need a smaller and smaller amount of DNA for a sample, while in the past, “a swab” was needed. Now, only “a pin prick” is sufficient. The likelihood of finding suspects DNA would be very, very small at this point.
Politics and the District Attorney's Office
The largest criminal investigation in the region was underway and DA Ronald Pina was attempting to solve the case. Political pressure was mounting to solve the case with no results, in 1990 Pina lost re-election and Paul Walsh Jr. was elected. Walsh also publicly committed to solve the case, and on March 7, 1991, appointed Paul Buckley as special prosecutor.
On July 29, 1991, the murder charge against Ponte was dropped due to lack of evidence by the special prosecutor. The case went cold. Walsh and two of the original investigators believed Anthony DeGrazia was the Highway Killer, and by taking his own life, it was an admission of guilt. In 2006 Samuel Sutter was elected District Attorney, he committed to solving cold cases within Bristol County. Many cases were solved, but not the Highway Killings. Sutter was not convinced that Anthony DeGrazia was the killer and felt the evidence doesn't point to that person.