Silver City Galleria 2016 Solved
On May 10 2016 Arthur "A.J." DaRosa (28) was attending a soccer practice for one of his children at a field on Myricks Street. DaRose left the field and was involved in a motor vehicle accident at 6:30 PM in the area of 270 Myricks Street. DaRosa exited the damaged vehicle, then entered a residence, went into the kitchen and took possession of a knife then fatally stabbed Patricia Slavin (80) and severely wounded her daughter Kathleen Slavin (48). After the stabbing, DaRosa then fled the scene and drove to the Silver City Galleria, where he crashed through the front door of the Macy's store.
After exiting the vehicle again, he assaults three (3) woman employees of Macy's, then flees into the interior of the mall and makes his way to the Bertucci's Pizza Restaurant. While inside Bertucci's he grabs a knife and stabs a pregnant female waitress, Sheenah Savoy (26). In an effort the stop this attack on Savoy, George Heath (56) is fatally stabbed. An off-duty Plymouth County Deputy Sheriff, James Creed, attempts to stop the attack, identifies himself as law enforcement engages the suspect with verbal warnings and commands, which were ignored. Deputy Sheriff Creed then discharges his weapon, firing one shot, which struck DaRosa. DaRosa later dies of his injuries at the hospital. The motive for the attacks is unknown.
Mental Health System Failure
The investigation determined DaRosa had been acting irrational and erratic earlier in the day on May 10, 2016. He has recently been released from Morton Hospital after spending less than 24 hours in the psychiatric unit. As a result of this event, the sub-contractor Morton Hospital was using to provide psychiatric services was terminated. DaRosa's family acknowledged he had suffered from depression, has a past history of being suicidal and most recently a termination of an engagement.
Civil Lawsuit 2019
Kathleen Slavin and the estate of her mother, Patricia Slavin filed a lawsuit against the City of Taunton and its former ambulance company, American Medical Response, for negligence. Slavin claims she was on the phone for at least 20 minutes with a 911 dispatcher as she and her mother, who were both bleeding on the floor. It wasn’t until one of Kathleen’s four brothers opened the front door, and began shouting to firefighters and an ambulance outside working the the initial motor vehicle accident, that the women received medical attention and were transported to hospitals.
The violent incident, brought to light the inefficiencies of the Taunton's antiquated 911 system, which is still located on the second floor of the fire department’s Central Fire Station on School Street. The system has since been updated and restructured so that four trained dispatchers work in the same room.
In a letter to Mayor Thomas Hoye Jr., it alleges that the city, due to its previous “inadequate, obsolete and substandard 911 emergency call system”, caused a significant delay in the response time to the scene. The City of Taunton is accused of acting negligently by failing to promptly respond and treat both stabbing victims. It's also alleged the City of Taunton dispatcher(s) on duty failed to accurately document (log) the call in real-time, but delayed entry by eight (8) minutes,
thus, causing a significant and fatal delay in sending first responders to the stabbing victims’ home.
The suit also names Colorado-based American Medical Response of Massachusetts as a co-defendant. It's alleged the ambulance was dispatched to 270 Myricks Street for the stabbing victims, but instead the ambulance went to the corner of Birch Street and Claire Terrace half a block away.
Nine (9) minutes after Slavin dialed 911, a fire engine and police car showed up at a house at 280, as opposed to 270, Myricks St.
Massachusetts Appeals Court Ruling January 2021
A Massachusetts appeals court has ruled in favor of the City of Taunton in a wrongful death case brought by the family of a fatal stabbing victim. The civil case had claimed that a slow and negligent response by first responders caused the wrongful death of Patricia Slavin (80), who was fatally stabbed in her Myricks Street home in May of 2016. An appeals court panel today ruled that the woman's death "was not originally caused by" the fire department or ambulance response, and reversed a lower court decision that denied the city's motion to dismiss.
"It is true that a more prompt response by city personnel might have diminished the harmful consequences of the stabbings, but the lack of a prompt response was not the original cause of the harm," the appeals court stated. Additionally state law that limits the liability of public employers when a situation is caused by "the violent or tortious conduct of a third person."
Silver City Galleria
The mall permanently closed on February 29, 2020 and was later demolished in May 2021.
On May 10 2016 Arthur "A.J." DaRosa (28) was attending a soccer practice for one of his children at a field on Myricks Street. DaRose left the field and was involved in a motor vehicle accident at 6:30 PM in the area of 270 Myricks Street. DaRosa exited the damaged vehicle, then entered a residence, went into the kitchen and took possession of a knife then fatally stabbed Patricia Slavin (80) and severely wounded her daughter Kathleen Slavin (48). After the stabbing, DaRosa then fled the scene and drove to the Silver City Galleria, where he crashed through the front door of the Macy's store.
After exiting the vehicle again, he assaults three (3) woman employees of Macy's, then flees into the interior of the mall and makes his way to the Bertucci's Pizza Restaurant. While inside Bertucci's he grabs a knife and stabs a pregnant female waitress, Sheenah Savoy (26). In an effort the stop this attack on Savoy, George Heath (56) is fatally stabbed. An off-duty Plymouth County Deputy Sheriff, James Creed, attempts to stop the attack, identifies himself as law enforcement engages the suspect with verbal warnings and commands, which were ignored. Deputy Sheriff Creed then discharges his weapon, firing one shot, which struck DaRosa. DaRosa later dies of his injuries at the hospital. The motive for the attacks is unknown.
Mental Health System Failure
The investigation determined DaRosa had been acting irrational and erratic earlier in the day on May 10, 2016. He has recently been released from Morton Hospital after spending less than 24 hours in the psychiatric unit. As a result of this event, the sub-contractor Morton Hospital was using to provide psychiatric services was terminated. DaRosa's family acknowledged he had suffered from depression, has a past history of being suicidal and most recently a termination of an engagement.
Civil Lawsuit 2019
Kathleen Slavin and the estate of her mother, Patricia Slavin filed a lawsuit against the City of Taunton and its former ambulance company, American Medical Response, for negligence. Slavin claims she was on the phone for at least 20 minutes with a 911 dispatcher as she and her mother, who were both bleeding on the floor. It wasn’t until one of Kathleen’s four brothers opened the front door, and began shouting to firefighters and an ambulance outside working the the initial motor vehicle accident, that the women received medical attention and were transported to hospitals.
The violent incident, brought to light the inefficiencies of the Taunton's antiquated 911 system, which is still located on the second floor of the fire department’s Central Fire Station on School Street. The system has since been updated and restructured so that four trained dispatchers work in the same room.
In a letter to Mayor Thomas Hoye Jr., it alleges that the city, due to its previous “inadequate, obsolete and substandard 911 emergency call system”, caused a significant delay in the response time to the scene. The City of Taunton is accused of acting negligently by failing to promptly respond and treat both stabbing victims. It's also alleged the City of Taunton dispatcher(s) on duty failed to accurately document (log) the call in real-time, but delayed entry by eight (8) minutes,
thus, causing a significant and fatal delay in sending first responders to the stabbing victims’ home.
The suit also names Colorado-based American Medical Response of Massachusetts as a co-defendant. It's alleged the ambulance was dispatched to 270 Myricks Street for the stabbing victims, but instead the ambulance went to the corner of Birch Street and Claire Terrace half a block away.
Nine (9) minutes after Slavin dialed 911, a fire engine and police car showed up at a house at 280, as opposed to 270, Myricks St.
Massachusetts Appeals Court Ruling January 2021
A Massachusetts appeals court has ruled in favor of the City of Taunton in a wrongful death case brought by the family of a fatal stabbing victim. The civil case had claimed that a slow and negligent response by first responders caused the wrongful death of Patricia Slavin (80), who was fatally stabbed in her Myricks Street home in May of 2016. An appeals court panel today ruled that the woman's death "was not originally caused by" the fire department or ambulance response, and reversed a lower court decision that denied the city's motion to dismiss.
"It is true that a more prompt response by city personnel might have diminished the harmful consequences of the stabbings, but the lack of a prompt response was not the original cause of the harm," the appeals court stated. Additionally state law that limits the liability of public employers when a situation is caused by "the violent or tortious conduct of a third person."
Silver City Galleria
The mall permanently closed on February 29, 2020 and was later demolished in May 2021.
Kevin & Shawn Vargas 2008 Solved 2016
On February 24 2008 around 2:15 P.M. Kevin (23) & Shawn Vargas (20) were found shot in their apartment at 729 Somerset Avenue after Taunton Police received calls reporting gunshots. Both men were transported to Morton Hospital where they were pronounced dead. Shawn's 4-year-old and a 2-year-old sons, were in the apartment where the brothers were found and were unharmed.
Taunton Police Department and the State Police assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s office announced a reward, up to $10,000, has been established for information that leads to the arrest or arrests of any individuals involved in the killings.
Investigation Summary
Kevin Cox’s own statements along with cell phone records tied him to the crime. Cox provided a statement in 2011 indicating that he was at the location of the murder 20 minutes before it occurred. Cox claimed he purchased marijuana from victim Shawn Vargas and was bringing it to co-defendant Matthew Lander in Dighton at the time of the murder. Cox and Shawn Vargas had committed an armed robbery together one month prior, stealing $2,000 from would-be marijuana buyers.
On February 24 2008 Cox and Lander were placed at the scene by eyewitnesses who saw a white SUV leaving the scene, similar to the one Lander drove at the time. Investigators believe at least four people were involved in the killings. Two were seen fleeing the area onto nearby Eighth Street, one of which was carrying a rifle. Both then jumped into a large white SUV before driving off.
The investigation determined the murders were from a robbery gone wrong.
UPDATE Oct 3 2016 : Suspects Indicted by Grand Jury
Kevin Cox (26) was indicted on two (2) counts of murder and two (2) counts of armed robbery. Matthew Lander (28) was indicted on two (2) counts of murder and one (1) count of armed robbery.
UPDATE May 2021 : Cox Guilty
In May 2021, Keith Cox pleaded guilty to manslaughter and armed robbery and was sentenced to 7 to 10 years in prison.
He turned state's witness and testified against Lander.
UPDATE September 2021 : Lander Not Guilty
In September 2021, a jury found Matthew Lander not guilty on all counts, including two murder charges.
On February 24 2008 around 2:15 P.M. Kevin (23) & Shawn Vargas (20) were found shot in their apartment at 729 Somerset Avenue after Taunton Police received calls reporting gunshots. Both men were transported to Morton Hospital where they were pronounced dead. Shawn's 4-year-old and a 2-year-old sons, were in the apartment where the brothers were found and were unharmed.
Taunton Police Department and the State Police assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s office announced a reward, up to $10,000, has been established for information that leads to the arrest or arrests of any individuals involved in the killings.
Investigation Summary
Kevin Cox’s own statements along with cell phone records tied him to the crime. Cox provided a statement in 2011 indicating that he was at the location of the murder 20 minutes before it occurred. Cox claimed he purchased marijuana from victim Shawn Vargas and was bringing it to co-defendant Matthew Lander in Dighton at the time of the murder. Cox and Shawn Vargas had committed an armed robbery together one month prior, stealing $2,000 from would-be marijuana buyers.
On February 24 2008 Cox and Lander were placed at the scene by eyewitnesses who saw a white SUV leaving the scene, similar to the one Lander drove at the time. Investigators believe at least four people were involved in the killings. Two were seen fleeing the area onto nearby Eighth Street, one of which was carrying a rifle. Both then jumped into a large white SUV before driving off.
The investigation determined the murders were from a robbery gone wrong.
UPDATE Oct 3 2016 : Suspects Indicted by Grand Jury
Kevin Cox (26) was indicted on two (2) counts of murder and two (2) counts of armed robbery. Matthew Lander (28) was indicted on two (2) counts of murder and one (1) count of armed robbery.
UPDATE May 2021 : Cox Guilty
In May 2021, Keith Cox pleaded guilty to manslaughter and armed robbery and was sentenced to 7 to 10 years in prison.
He turned state's witness and testified against Lander.
UPDATE September 2021 : Lander Not Guilty
In September 2021, a jury found Matthew Lander not guilty on all counts, including two murder charges.
Alfred Mattson 2001 Solved
In May 2001 Leona Mattson (56), a registered nurse, called 911 to report her husband of thirty (30) years, Alfred Mattson (53), had suffered a possible stroke. Alfred was transported to the hospital where he remained in a coma for twelve (12) days before dying. Alfred suffered violent and sudden surges in his blood sugar levels, however he didn't have diabetes. Investigators consulted medical experts and determined "there is no way that could have happened short of insulin injection" The lengthy investigation continued for three (3) years.
In June 2004 Leona Mattson, member of the board of directors for the Brockton Visiting Nurse Association, was charged with murder in connection to her husband's death. Leona was accused of injecting her husband with a lethal dose of insulin in May 2001. Investigators determined Leona was the only person who saw her husband in the thirty (30) hours before she called 911. Leona was arraigned on the murder charge and was released after posting the $40,000 bail.
Leona Mattson Death 2004
On September 28 2004, the night before her pre-trial hearing in New Bedford Superior Court, Leona was discovered dead in the driveway of the Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta Georgia. Atlanta Police Department conducted an investigation and determined Leona had jumped from her hotel room window to her death. Her death was ruled a suicide. At the time of her death she was engaged.
Leona was laid to rest next to her husband, Alfred in Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree MA.
In May 2001 Leona Mattson (56), a registered nurse, called 911 to report her husband of thirty (30) years, Alfred Mattson (53), had suffered a possible stroke. Alfred was transported to the hospital where he remained in a coma for twelve (12) days before dying. Alfred suffered violent and sudden surges in his blood sugar levels, however he didn't have diabetes. Investigators consulted medical experts and determined "there is no way that could have happened short of insulin injection" The lengthy investigation continued for three (3) years.
In June 2004 Leona Mattson, member of the board of directors for the Brockton Visiting Nurse Association, was charged with murder in connection to her husband's death. Leona was accused of injecting her husband with a lethal dose of insulin in May 2001. Investigators determined Leona was the only person who saw her husband in the thirty (30) hours before she called 911. Leona was arraigned on the murder charge and was released after posting the $40,000 bail.
Leona Mattson Death 2004
On September 28 2004, the night before her pre-trial hearing in New Bedford Superior Court, Leona was discovered dead in the driveway of the Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta Georgia. Atlanta Police Department conducted an investigation and determined Leona had jumped from her hotel room window to her death. Her death was ruled a suicide. At the time of her death she was engaged.
Leona was laid to rest next to her husband, Alfred in Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree MA.
Herbert Willis 1896 Solved
In June 1896 Fred Strange and his best friend Irving Lincoln rode their bicycles through the intersection of Winthrop and Highland Streets. As they rode through the intersection, Irving determined the seat on his bicycle required and adjustment. They stopped under a street lamp to make the adjustment. As Irving was focusing on adjusting the seat, another bicycle was approaching. The rider was wearing a mask, and when he stopped in front of the two boys, the stranger suggested that he and Irving exchange bikes. When Irving declined, the stranger tried to pull the bicycle from him. Fred moved to intervene and as he did the stranger drew a firearm and shot him in the abdomen. When Irving rushed to help his stricken friend, the stranger stole his bicycle and pedaled off.
Fred Strange Murdered !
Fred was taken to Morton Hospital, where he died three (3) days later. A large crowd of mourners turned out for the funeral. At the conclusion of the funeral services a group of Fred's friends gathered to express their outrage over the crime. One of the most outspoken was Herbert Willis. As he and the other young people mourned their dead friend, only Herbert knew that truth - he murdered Fred.
A $1,000 reward was offered for information on Fred's killer. The investigation stalled, the Taunton police tried to develop new leads, locals noticed an increase in crime throughout the area. Robberies and burglaries were on the rise in Raynham, Dighton and even into the towns of northern Rhode Island, where witnesses told of a gun toting “bicycle bandit".
Herbert Willis
In July 1896, five (5) weeks after Fred's murder, Herbert he walked into a Providence sporting goods store owned by James Dawson, hoping to complete his exchange of goods. The day before, Herbert had approached the merchant asking to trade a bicycle for camping equipment. The merchant offered $40 worth of gear but told Herbert he would have to provide proof that he owned the bicycle. Herbert left the bike at the store and said he would return the next day.
Dawson conducted a check of the serial numbers and discovered it had been stolen from a Taunton. When, much to the merchants surprise, Herbert returned to the North Main Street store on the following day, the merchant locked the doors and said he was calling the police.
Fearing his capture was imminent, Herbert drew his gun, however the merchant who has a store full of guns, drew a weapon at Herbert. Herbert was unaware the merchants gun wasn't loaded, so he put his weapon back into his pocket. Dawson moved toward the telephone to summon the police. Determined to leave the store, Herbert ran toward the front door and smashed through the plate glass window sending of glass onto the sidewalk. He mounted the bicycle that he had left in front of the store and attempted to ride away. Only a few feet from the store a bystander grabbed the handlebars of the bicycle and momentarily stopped Herbert. Herbert then abandoned the bicycle at the same moment that Dawson, now carrying a fully loaded firearm raced onto the street.
Herbert drew his two (2) loaded pistols from his pockets and a wild gunfight ensued in the middle of North Main Street. Though neither Herbert or Dawson were injured, the melee sent shoppers diving for cover and two onlookers were wounded by gunfire. Breaking off the gunfight, Herbert ran through alleyways and backyards as he attempted to escape, narrowly evading capture several times. At one point, as he passed through one of the small towns on the way back to Taunton, he robbed a man of his money and yet another bicycle.
Taunton police received word by phone of the trouble that occurred and the description. Due to the recent crime wave that included several reports of the reckless “bicycle bandit,” Taunton police decided to post a guard along the well-traveled Providence Road (Rte. 44). About 4PM the two Taunton police officers stationed at the intersection of Winthrop and North Walker Streets spotted a solitary rider heading their way at a high rate of speed. He fit the description of the Providence suspect and when they signaled for him to stop he flew right past them, as if pedaling for dear life. Both officers discharged their revolvers at the subject.
August 8 1896 Search Warrant Issued - Herbert Willis in Arrested
In the week after the Providence shootout some of Herbert's acquaintances became suspicious of his behavior, especially because he gave conflicting accounts of how he had received the severe wound on his hand.
On August 7, 1896 a mysterious telephone call to Taunton police headquarters named Herbert Willis as the individual who murdered Fred Strange. The identity of the caller remains a mystery still today. Herbert was put under surveillance for several hours, which then justified him being arrested for the shootout in Providence.
On August 8 1896 a search warrant was issued for Herbert's home, the Taunton police department dispatched five (5) officers to arrest Herbert Willis. Herbert was suspected of being the “bicycle bandit” responsible for a number of robberies and assaults throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
After a search of his home turned up lots of stolen goods but no suspect, the policemen walked the short distance over to the Willis family’s fish market on Weir Street. When confronted there by the officers Herbert put up a strong resistance resulting in two (2) officers being injured. The other officers were able to subdue Herbert man despite the two pistols he drew from his pockets.
Herbert Confesses to being "Bicycle Bandit"
Once in custody Herbert talked freely about his adventures as the “bicycle bandit,” and his story led police to a cave near the bridge on Fisher Street in Taunton, where a large cache of stolen goods — including bicycles and several weapons — was recovered.
On August 9 1896 Herbert at first refused to answer any questions regarding the murder of Fred Strange, but then suddenly confessed to that crime as well. Herbert gave police a full statement admitting his guilt in the murder.
Herbert Willis Accepts Plea Deal for 2nd Degree Murder
On August 10 1896 Herbert was arraigned in Taunton District Court, where he waived examination and saw his case bound over for action by a grand jury. He was indicted in November of 1896. Herbert’s trial, was held in Taunton at the Bristol County Superior Courthouse on February 1, 1897.
District Attorney Andrew J. Jennings, who five years before, had successfully defended Lizzie Borden, accepted a deal allowing Herbert to plead guilty to second-degree murder in return for a life sentence. The 20-year-old was spared from the possibility of death in the electric chair, was immediately transported to the state prison in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Post-Conviction Family Struggles
While Herbert’s crimes and his convictions shocked his neighbors, it destroyed his family. Driven by his son’s disgrace of the family, Samuel Willis simply walked away, abandoning his wife and six (6) children. As a result, the burden of the family fell upon 17-year-old Everett, who worked long hours in an attempt to save the family’s fish business. Everett was heartbroken at the thought his older brother would spend the rest of his life in prison.
Prison Break 1897....Herbert Willis Killed
Visiting the state prison in Charlestown was limited to one hour on the first Tuesday of each month, and Everett attended faithfully. Seeing his brother in a maximum-security prison among hardened criminals was disturbing, and Herbert mentioned several times that he would rather die than stay there. After several months of visits, and in a decision that would have devastating consequences, Everett agreed to help Herbert fight his way out of the prison.
On August 11, 1897, Everett took the train to Boston, arriving well before the 10 A.M. start of visiting hours. Everett was able to carry two (2) fully loaded pistols inside the prison. He entered the rotunda of the prison, where he joined the waiting friends and families of other inmates. At exactly 10 A.M. Herbert was brought into the room and took a chair opposite his younger brother, within sight of two prison guards. At the end of the visitation period, as the brothers were about to say good-bye, Everett was to pass one of the guns to Herbert and the two would overpower the guards and force their way out of building and onto the busy street, where they figured to disappear into the crowd.
At the end of an hour, the guard told the Willis brothers that their visitation time was up. As they rose from their chairs, Everett quickly passed one of the revolvers to Herbert and kept the other for himself. Herbert drew the weapon at the guard, Everett, who pointed his gun at the other guard. Both guards drew their own weapons and a gunfight broke out among the women and children visiting with other inmates. One guard was wounded in the arm and leg.
As other guards responded to the sounds of gunfire, upon reaching the rotunda they saw both Willis brothers attempting to bludgeon the guards with the butts of their pistols. The first arriving guard fired several shots in the direction of the brothers, Herbert was hit four times, including twice in the head, and Everett was injured by two bullets, one of which left him with a head wound. The investigation later determined that more than 30 shots had been fired.
Herbert, gravely wounded, was taken to the prison infirmary, where he died three (3) days later. Everett was removed to the Massachusetts General Hospital and was in grave condition for several hours after the shooting.
A month later Everett Willis was arraigned in Suffolk County Superior Court on two counts of assault with intent to kill, one for each of the prison guards who had been most seriously injured in the shooting. Everett intended to plead guilty at trial, and refused to allow his mother to hire a lawyer to defend him. Everett’s trial was held on September 22, 1897, lasted less than an hour, and he offered not a word in his own defense. He was alone in the courtroom; no family members were present. The jury deliberated for only twenty-five (25) minutes before finding Everett guilty on both counts. Everett was sentenced to 15–20 years in prison. On March 7, 1912 Everett was released from prison.
Father Returns Home
In December 1897, after an absence of six months, Samuel Willis returned to Taunton. In 1903, the Willis Family left Taunton and resettled first in Fairhaven and later in Cranston, Rhode Island.
In June 1896 Fred Strange and his best friend Irving Lincoln rode their bicycles through the intersection of Winthrop and Highland Streets. As they rode through the intersection, Irving determined the seat on his bicycle required and adjustment. They stopped under a street lamp to make the adjustment. As Irving was focusing on adjusting the seat, another bicycle was approaching. The rider was wearing a mask, and when he stopped in front of the two boys, the stranger suggested that he and Irving exchange bikes. When Irving declined, the stranger tried to pull the bicycle from him. Fred moved to intervene and as he did the stranger drew a firearm and shot him in the abdomen. When Irving rushed to help his stricken friend, the stranger stole his bicycle and pedaled off.
Fred Strange Murdered !
Fred was taken to Morton Hospital, where he died three (3) days later. A large crowd of mourners turned out for the funeral. At the conclusion of the funeral services a group of Fred's friends gathered to express their outrage over the crime. One of the most outspoken was Herbert Willis. As he and the other young people mourned their dead friend, only Herbert knew that truth - he murdered Fred.
A $1,000 reward was offered for information on Fred's killer. The investigation stalled, the Taunton police tried to develop new leads, locals noticed an increase in crime throughout the area. Robberies and burglaries were on the rise in Raynham, Dighton and even into the towns of northern Rhode Island, where witnesses told of a gun toting “bicycle bandit".
Herbert Willis
In July 1896, five (5) weeks after Fred's murder, Herbert he walked into a Providence sporting goods store owned by James Dawson, hoping to complete his exchange of goods. The day before, Herbert had approached the merchant asking to trade a bicycle for camping equipment. The merchant offered $40 worth of gear but told Herbert he would have to provide proof that he owned the bicycle. Herbert left the bike at the store and said he would return the next day.
Dawson conducted a check of the serial numbers and discovered it had been stolen from a Taunton. When, much to the merchants surprise, Herbert returned to the North Main Street store on the following day, the merchant locked the doors and said he was calling the police.
Fearing his capture was imminent, Herbert drew his gun, however the merchant who has a store full of guns, drew a weapon at Herbert. Herbert was unaware the merchants gun wasn't loaded, so he put his weapon back into his pocket. Dawson moved toward the telephone to summon the police. Determined to leave the store, Herbert ran toward the front door and smashed through the plate glass window sending of glass onto the sidewalk. He mounted the bicycle that he had left in front of the store and attempted to ride away. Only a few feet from the store a bystander grabbed the handlebars of the bicycle and momentarily stopped Herbert. Herbert then abandoned the bicycle at the same moment that Dawson, now carrying a fully loaded firearm raced onto the street.
Herbert drew his two (2) loaded pistols from his pockets and a wild gunfight ensued in the middle of North Main Street. Though neither Herbert or Dawson were injured, the melee sent shoppers diving for cover and two onlookers were wounded by gunfire. Breaking off the gunfight, Herbert ran through alleyways and backyards as he attempted to escape, narrowly evading capture several times. At one point, as he passed through one of the small towns on the way back to Taunton, he robbed a man of his money and yet another bicycle.
Taunton police received word by phone of the trouble that occurred and the description. Due to the recent crime wave that included several reports of the reckless “bicycle bandit,” Taunton police decided to post a guard along the well-traveled Providence Road (Rte. 44). About 4PM the two Taunton police officers stationed at the intersection of Winthrop and North Walker Streets spotted a solitary rider heading their way at a high rate of speed. He fit the description of the Providence suspect and when they signaled for him to stop he flew right past them, as if pedaling for dear life. Both officers discharged their revolvers at the subject.
August 8 1896 Search Warrant Issued - Herbert Willis in Arrested
In the week after the Providence shootout some of Herbert's acquaintances became suspicious of his behavior, especially because he gave conflicting accounts of how he had received the severe wound on his hand.
On August 7, 1896 a mysterious telephone call to Taunton police headquarters named Herbert Willis as the individual who murdered Fred Strange. The identity of the caller remains a mystery still today. Herbert was put under surveillance for several hours, which then justified him being arrested for the shootout in Providence.
On August 8 1896 a search warrant was issued for Herbert's home, the Taunton police department dispatched five (5) officers to arrest Herbert Willis. Herbert was suspected of being the “bicycle bandit” responsible for a number of robberies and assaults throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
After a search of his home turned up lots of stolen goods but no suspect, the policemen walked the short distance over to the Willis family’s fish market on Weir Street. When confronted there by the officers Herbert put up a strong resistance resulting in two (2) officers being injured. The other officers were able to subdue Herbert man despite the two pistols he drew from his pockets.
Herbert Confesses to being "Bicycle Bandit"
Once in custody Herbert talked freely about his adventures as the “bicycle bandit,” and his story led police to a cave near the bridge on Fisher Street in Taunton, where a large cache of stolen goods — including bicycles and several weapons — was recovered.
On August 9 1896 Herbert at first refused to answer any questions regarding the murder of Fred Strange, but then suddenly confessed to that crime as well. Herbert gave police a full statement admitting his guilt in the murder.
Herbert Willis Accepts Plea Deal for 2nd Degree Murder
On August 10 1896 Herbert was arraigned in Taunton District Court, where he waived examination and saw his case bound over for action by a grand jury. He was indicted in November of 1896. Herbert’s trial, was held in Taunton at the Bristol County Superior Courthouse on February 1, 1897.
District Attorney Andrew J. Jennings, who five years before, had successfully defended Lizzie Borden, accepted a deal allowing Herbert to plead guilty to second-degree murder in return for a life sentence. The 20-year-old was spared from the possibility of death in the electric chair, was immediately transported to the state prison in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Post-Conviction Family Struggles
While Herbert’s crimes and his convictions shocked his neighbors, it destroyed his family. Driven by his son’s disgrace of the family, Samuel Willis simply walked away, abandoning his wife and six (6) children. As a result, the burden of the family fell upon 17-year-old Everett, who worked long hours in an attempt to save the family’s fish business. Everett was heartbroken at the thought his older brother would spend the rest of his life in prison.
Prison Break 1897....Herbert Willis Killed
Visiting the state prison in Charlestown was limited to one hour on the first Tuesday of each month, and Everett attended faithfully. Seeing his brother in a maximum-security prison among hardened criminals was disturbing, and Herbert mentioned several times that he would rather die than stay there. After several months of visits, and in a decision that would have devastating consequences, Everett agreed to help Herbert fight his way out of the prison.
On August 11, 1897, Everett took the train to Boston, arriving well before the 10 A.M. start of visiting hours. Everett was able to carry two (2) fully loaded pistols inside the prison. He entered the rotunda of the prison, where he joined the waiting friends and families of other inmates. At exactly 10 A.M. Herbert was brought into the room and took a chair opposite his younger brother, within sight of two prison guards. At the end of the visitation period, as the brothers were about to say good-bye, Everett was to pass one of the guns to Herbert and the two would overpower the guards and force their way out of building and onto the busy street, where they figured to disappear into the crowd.
At the end of an hour, the guard told the Willis brothers that their visitation time was up. As they rose from their chairs, Everett quickly passed one of the revolvers to Herbert and kept the other for himself. Herbert drew the weapon at the guard, Everett, who pointed his gun at the other guard. Both guards drew their own weapons and a gunfight broke out among the women and children visiting with other inmates. One guard was wounded in the arm and leg.
As other guards responded to the sounds of gunfire, upon reaching the rotunda they saw both Willis brothers attempting to bludgeon the guards with the butts of their pistols. The first arriving guard fired several shots in the direction of the brothers, Herbert was hit four times, including twice in the head, and Everett was injured by two bullets, one of which left him with a head wound. The investigation later determined that more than 30 shots had been fired.
Herbert, gravely wounded, was taken to the prison infirmary, where he died three (3) days later. Everett was removed to the Massachusetts General Hospital and was in grave condition for several hours after the shooting.
A month later Everett Willis was arraigned in Suffolk County Superior Court on two counts of assault with intent to kill, one for each of the prison guards who had been most seriously injured in the shooting. Everett intended to plead guilty at trial, and refused to allow his mother to hire a lawyer to defend him. Everett’s trial was held on September 22, 1897, lasted less than an hour, and he offered not a word in his own defense. He was alone in the courtroom; no family members were present. The jury deliberated for only twenty-five (25) minutes before finding Everett guilty on both counts. Everett was sentenced to 15–20 years in prison. On March 7, 1912 Everett was released from prison.
Father Returns Home
In December 1897, after an absence of six months, Samuel Willis returned to Taunton. In 1903, the Willis Family left Taunton and resettled first in Fairhaven and later in Cranston, Rhode Island.
Taunton's 1st Murder Elizabeth McKinstry 1763 Solved
"Here lies ye body of Mrs. Elizabeth McKinstry
basely murdered by a Negro Boy June ye 4, 1763, aged 28.
Watch for ye know not ye manner nor ye moment of your Death."
On June 4 1763 Dr. McKinstry's sister, Elizabeth (28) was brutally murdered by an enslaved teenager named Bristol (16) for reasons today remain unknown. On the morning of the murder, Bristol had been in the back yard tending to the doctor’s horse. Bristol tied the horse near the back door and came into the house to find Elizabeth and an unknown little girl (identity unknown) working in the kitchen. Elizabeth was starting to do some laundry and asked Bristol to put some flat irons on the hearth and instructed the little girl to go upstairs to grab the ironing cloth.
After the girl left the room, Elizabeth bent over the hearth to check on her flat irons. Bristol seized one of the flat irons and struck Elizabeth on the back of the head, pitching her into the hearth and burning the left side of her face. He dragged her unconscious body downstairs to the basement of the house. Bristol delivered a fatal blow to the back of Elizabeth’s head with an axe, giving her a gash two inches long and one inch wide in her skull. Elizabeth lingered near death throughout that day and into the next. On the morning after the attack she was visited by Dr. Elisha Tobey, of Dartmouth, one of the county’s best-known physicians.
Dr. Tobey confirmed that Elizabeth’s wounds were mortal and she died later that evening.
Elizabeth was buried on June 14, 1763. Her gravestone, calling attention to the fact that she was “basely murthered by a Negro boy,” still stands in the Plain Burial Ground (now called Plain Cemetery) on Broadway in Taunton.
Bristol was found guilty and was sentenced to death. He was was scheduled to be hanged on November 4, 1763, five (5) months after the murder. However, a three-week reprieve was secured for Bristol, delaying his execution date to December 1, 1763. The hanging ground was located just north of Plain Burial Ground, the same cemetery Elizabeth is buried in.
When asked why he had killed Elizabeth, Bristol said that a slave belonging to John McWhorter had threatened to kill him if he didn’t take the young woman’s life. There never was any further explanation.
Slavery had been a part of life in Massachusetts, including Bristol County, since the earliest days, and indeed it would last for another two decades after 1763. Besides the McKinstrys, several prominent families had once owned, or still did own, slaves.
McKinstry's Forced to Leave Taunton
After Elizabeth’s murder the McKinstrys remained in Taunton for eleven (11) years before they were driven out by townspeople who found their support of the Crown unacceptable. The American Revolution began and the McKinstry family sided with those Loyal to the British government. In 1779, the house and property were seized by the Massachusetts Legislature.
McKinstry's House - Now Rectory for St. Thomas Episcopal Church
In 1828 the property was sold to the St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Still standing on present-day High Street, the McKinstry House now serves as the rectory of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The McKinstry House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
"Here lies ye body of Mrs. Elizabeth McKinstry
basely murdered by a Negro Boy June ye 4, 1763, aged 28.
Watch for ye know not ye manner nor ye moment of your Death."
On June 4 1763 Dr. McKinstry's sister, Elizabeth (28) was brutally murdered by an enslaved teenager named Bristol (16) for reasons today remain unknown. On the morning of the murder, Bristol had been in the back yard tending to the doctor’s horse. Bristol tied the horse near the back door and came into the house to find Elizabeth and an unknown little girl (identity unknown) working in the kitchen. Elizabeth was starting to do some laundry and asked Bristol to put some flat irons on the hearth and instructed the little girl to go upstairs to grab the ironing cloth.
After the girl left the room, Elizabeth bent over the hearth to check on her flat irons. Bristol seized one of the flat irons and struck Elizabeth on the back of the head, pitching her into the hearth and burning the left side of her face. He dragged her unconscious body downstairs to the basement of the house. Bristol delivered a fatal blow to the back of Elizabeth’s head with an axe, giving her a gash two inches long and one inch wide in her skull. Elizabeth lingered near death throughout that day and into the next. On the morning after the attack she was visited by Dr. Elisha Tobey, of Dartmouth, one of the county’s best-known physicians.
Dr. Tobey confirmed that Elizabeth’s wounds were mortal and she died later that evening.
Elizabeth was buried on June 14, 1763. Her gravestone, calling attention to the fact that she was “basely murthered by a Negro boy,” still stands in the Plain Burial Ground (now called Plain Cemetery) on Broadway in Taunton.
Bristol was found guilty and was sentenced to death. He was was scheduled to be hanged on November 4, 1763, five (5) months after the murder. However, a three-week reprieve was secured for Bristol, delaying his execution date to December 1, 1763. The hanging ground was located just north of Plain Burial Ground, the same cemetery Elizabeth is buried in.
When asked why he had killed Elizabeth, Bristol said that a slave belonging to John McWhorter had threatened to kill him if he didn’t take the young woman’s life. There never was any further explanation.
Slavery had been a part of life in Massachusetts, including Bristol County, since the earliest days, and indeed it would last for another two decades after 1763. Besides the McKinstrys, several prominent families had once owned, or still did own, slaves.
McKinstry's Forced to Leave Taunton
After Elizabeth’s murder the McKinstrys remained in Taunton for eleven (11) years before they were driven out by townspeople who found their support of the Crown unacceptable. The American Revolution began and the McKinstry family sided with those Loyal to the British government. In 1779, the house and property were seized by the Massachusetts Legislature.
McKinstry's House - Now Rectory for St. Thomas Episcopal Church
In 1828 the property was sold to the St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Still standing on present-day High Street, the McKinstry House now serves as the rectory of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The McKinstry House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.