Richard Alfredo 1990 Solved 1999
On Jan 21 1990 Richard Alfredo (61) died unexpectedly, initially it was thought he suffered a heart attack, since he had a long medical history. His untimely death was ruled "natural causes" so no autopsy was performed. His estate was worth about $25,000 which went to his estranged wife and children.
Christina Martin (42), Mr. Alfredo's girlfriend at the time, remained residing in the Westport home with her children after his death.
In Feb 1990 two (2) woman came forward to police with the suggestion that Mr. Alfredo's death was not "natural" and that perhaps he was poisoned intentionally. Ms. Martin's daughter, Teasha Pauline (17), had told high school friends that Mr. Alfredo had been molesting her and that her mother got revenge by serving Mr. Alfredo strawberry JELL-O laced with LSD. Several neighborhood teenagers were prepared to testify that Ms. Martin and Teasha Pauline purchased what they thought were drugs multiple times for the express purpose of killing Mr. Alfredo. They purchased eight tablets of what they thought was mescaline, and turned out to be LSD, then ground up the pills into a dust.
Law Enforcement had Mr. Alfredo's body exhumed and an autopsy was performed. The results of the autopsy indicated Mr. Alfredo had died from "Acute LSD Intoxication". The cause of death was then changed from "natural causes" to "homicide"and the investigation began.
Just two days after being questioned by police regarding the death of Mr. Alfredo, Ms Martin and her children abruptly moved to Montreal Canada.
In April 1990 Ms Martin was arrested in Canada and charged with 1st degree murder in connection to Mr. Alfredo's death.
At trial the prosecution presented witnesses to help prove the allegation that Mr. Alfredo suffered a fatal heart attack after eating JELL-O Martin laced with LSD, motive being she thought she would inherit his money and property. The jury rejected testimony from Teasha Pauline who claimed that SHE (not her mother) had laced the JELL-O. Ms. Pauline admitted she laced the JELL-O because Mr. Alfredo had allegedly been molesting her.
On Nov 13 1992, after 5 1/2 hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Ms. Martin of 1st-degree murder. The Asst. District Attorney who prosecuted the case, had not yet determined whether to bring charges against Ms. Pauline. Ms. Pauline was never charged
Ms. Martin filed an appeal for the the 1st-degree murder verdict was it overturned by Superior Court Judge Gordon Doerfer in 1997. Attorney Kevin Mahoney argued that Ms. Martin had been inadequately represented by the original attorney, and that the DA's Office withheld key evidence. Judge Doerfer's ruling was upheld in July 1988 by Supreme Judicial Court and a retrial was scheduled. To avoid another trial a plea bargain was agreed upon.
With a plea bargain in place in Feb 1999, Ms. Martin walked out of Superior Court a free woman after pleading guilty of manslaughter in connection of Mr. Alfredo's death in Jan 1990. In exchange for a sentence of 8 1/2 years of time served, and 10 years' probation. The plea deal was accepted by Judge John Tierney.
On Jan 21 1990 Richard Alfredo (61) died unexpectedly, initially it was thought he suffered a heart attack, since he had a long medical history. His untimely death was ruled "natural causes" so no autopsy was performed. His estate was worth about $25,000 which went to his estranged wife and children.
Christina Martin (42), Mr. Alfredo's girlfriend at the time, remained residing in the Westport home with her children after his death.
In Feb 1990 two (2) woman came forward to police with the suggestion that Mr. Alfredo's death was not "natural" and that perhaps he was poisoned intentionally. Ms. Martin's daughter, Teasha Pauline (17), had told high school friends that Mr. Alfredo had been molesting her and that her mother got revenge by serving Mr. Alfredo strawberry JELL-O laced with LSD. Several neighborhood teenagers were prepared to testify that Ms. Martin and Teasha Pauline purchased what they thought were drugs multiple times for the express purpose of killing Mr. Alfredo. They purchased eight tablets of what they thought was mescaline, and turned out to be LSD, then ground up the pills into a dust.
Law Enforcement had Mr. Alfredo's body exhumed and an autopsy was performed. The results of the autopsy indicated Mr. Alfredo had died from "Acute LSD Intoxication". The cause of death was then changed from "natural causes" to "homicide"and the investigation began.
Just two days after being questioned by police regarding the death of Mr. Alfredo, Ms Martin and her children abruptly moved to Montreal Canada.
In April 1990 Ms Martin was arrested in Canada and charged with 1st degree murder in connection to Mr. Alfredo's death.
At trial the prosecution presented witnesses to help prove the allegation that Mr. Alfredo suffered a fatal heart attack after eating JELL-O Martin laced with LSD, motive being she thought she would inherit his money and property. The jury rejected testimony from Teasha Pauline who claimed that SHE (not her mother) had laced the JELL-O. Ms. Pauline admitted she laced the JELL-O because Mr. Alfredo had allegedly been molesting her.
On Nov 13 1992, after 5 1/2 hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Ms. Martin of 1st-degree murder. The Asst. District Attorney who prosecuted the case, had not yet determined whether to bring charges against Ms. Pauline. Ms. Pauline was never charged
Ms. Martin filed an appeal for the the 1st-degree murder verdict was it overturned by Superior Court Judge Gordon Doerfer in 1997. Attorney Kevin Mahoney argued that Ms. Martin had been inadequately represented by the original attorney, and that the DA's Office withheld key evidence. Judge Doerfer's ruling was upheld in July 1988 by Supreme Judicial Court and a retrial was scheduled. To avoid another trial a plea bargain was agreed upon.
With a plea bargain in place in Feb 1999, Ms. Martin walked out of Superior Court a free woman after pleading guilty of manslaughter in connection of Mr. Alfredo's death in Jan 1990. In exchange for a sentence of 8 1/2 years of time served, and 10 years' probation. The plea deal was accepted by Judge John Tierney.
Herbert J. Striker Jr. 1961 Solved
Two unique features in this case :
(1) The accused become the first person in Massachusetts history to be set free on bail while awaiting trial for murder.
(2) The beach, owned by killer, where the killing took place, is still today named after the killer.
Investigation Summary
John H. Baker (51) was the owner of a private beach where he also operated a beach club. Baker Beach is located next to Horseneck Beach.
On May 23 1961 Mrs. Striker became entitled to specific club privileges for her family and guests. This privilege was $35 and was the lowest of three (3) rates. She received a card marked "1961 Open House Parking Only" and a copy of the club rules and regulations. The card was good "only for Lot #1". The rules and regulations required this card to be presented at the gate to enable access. No pets were allowed, and the gates would remain open until sunset.
On June 10, 1961, there was significant traffic because a boat washed ashore on the beach about 700 feet to the west of the Mr. Baker's property. At 4:30 P.M. Mr. Striker, along with his wife and their two (2) dogs arrived at the beach entrance.
Their vehicle was stopped by a man, John Duffy, a special police officer for the Town of Westport. At first Duffy believed that Mr. Striker wasn't a member of the club, but Mrs. Striker stated she was in fact a member. Duffy then told them access would be denied since they had dogs in the vehicle, and that is not allowed according to the rules and regulations.
Mr. Striker stated "You are not going to stop me or nobody else, John. I'm going in, dogs or no dogs." Duffy then explained that he would contact Mr. Baker and that he would be returned his membership fee and his privileges would be revoked. The Strikers then left.
Mr. Striker then drove to a neighboring inn, where he consumed alcoholic beverages. About five minutes later accompanied by a man, who was a member of the beach club, he drove his car and the dogs back to the beach. At the entrance to the club property, he drove at a very high rate of speed past Mr. Duffy, who had to jump back to avoid being hit, or for fear of being hit by the car. After ten to fifteen minutes at the beach, where the car was parked on lot 3, an unauthorized parking space, they left and returned to the inn.
At the inn Mr. Striker chatted with three (3) men, Mr. Harney, Mr. Lees, and Mr. Reed and then began to drive them to the beach in order to see the boat that had come aground. The dogs were still in the vehicle.
At 5:22 P.M. Mr. Baker arrived back at the entrance to the club and Mr. Duffy began explaining to him about Mr. Striker's repeated visits. As they were talking Mr. Striker along with his passengers arrived at the club and according to Mr. Duffy entered at an even faster rate than before and didn't stop or slow down. There was several different version of this event, what exactly happened remains unclear.
Mr. Baker becomes enraged, he gets into his vehicle and drives to the parking lot. Mr. Baker claimed "The men were all getting out of the car then and starting down on the beach, and so, of course, I knew that he had been over two times, and I felt that there was a chance that he might be making trouble. He had a reputation for being a troublemaker, and I was afraid that if I didn't protect myself, I would be in danger of being badly harmed or possibly killed by him. So I went to the pump house and got my gun." After getting his firearm, a .32 revolver, from the pump house "I started off down the beach to speak to them and ask them to take their car and the dogs off the parking lot. And I hurried as fast as I could. . . . And I overhauled them rapidly until I was probably within 100 feet of them. And then I blew a whistle at them." No response.
"I felt that they were deliberately ignoring me and I would have to bring their attention; and so I took the gun out of my pocket and fired it" into the sand to one side. The men turned around again and started back toward the Mr. Baker. Mr. Striker was leading the group of men walking towards Mr. Baker. Mr. Striker was quite heated and a verbal argument began, which escalated into a physical assault by Mr. Striker. The punch knocked Mr. Baker to the ground. At this point Mr. Baker felt threatened, and stated if they came closer he would shoot. Mr. Striker approached and Mr. Baker fired. "After the shot was fired "He kept on coming . . .. He was even closer. And I really was terrified at that time that he was going to get the blow in. And, so, I shot at his shoulder at that time to try to stop him and the other men who were coming in from both sides." Mr. Baker testified did not intend to kill or mortally wound him.
Mr. Harney testified he heard no whistles. He heard a shot, turned around, and saw Mr. Baker 150 to 200 feet away walking very rapidly up the beach, and the Mr. Striker walking back toward him. Mr. Harney saw Mr. Baker raise his gun and fire. Mr. Striker did not flinch or move but stood momentarily. He then took a few steps towards Mr. Baker, who raised the gun and fired again. Mr. Striker sank to the ground with blood coming out of his mouth. Mr. Harney testified he never saw Mr. Striker assault Mr. Baker.
Mr. Reed testified he heard no whistles. When he heard a shot, he stopped and turned. He saw the Mr. Baker hurrying down the beach toward them. Mr. Striker started walking back toward Mr. Baker. Mr. Reed started walking again toward the boat. A minute later he thought he heard voices, and turned in time to see the Mr. Striker motion at the Mr. Baker, and the Mr. Baker's glasses fall. Reed heard a shot, but did not see it fired. Mr. Striker kept advancing. There was a second shot, and Mr. Striker stumbled and fell forward on the ground. Not more than one or two seconds elapsed between the two shots.
Mr. Lees testified he heard no whistles. He testified he saw the Mr. Baker walking rapidly up the beach. Lees then turned back and proceeded toward the boat. When he heard another shot he turned simultaneously with a second shot which he saw the Mr. Baker discharge the weapon.
Outcome
In 1963 Mr. Baker appealed his murder conviction to a three (3) judge court. The charge was reduced to manslaughter and a 2 1/2 year jail sentence was imposed. Mr. Baker was paroled after serving 14 months in jail. He was later pardoned in 1970. After being pardoned, Mr. Baker sold all of his property and moved to Arizona. He is now deceased
Herbert John Striker Jr. 1905-1961
Mr. Striker left behind his wife, and two (2) daughters. He is buried in Beech Grove Cemetery.
Two unique features in this case :
(1) The accused become the first person in Massachusetts history to be set free on bail while awaiting trial for murder.
(2) The beach, owned by killer, where the killing took place, is still today named after the killer.
Investigation Summary
John H. Baker (51) was the owner of a private beach where he also operated a beach club. Baker Beach is located next to Horseneck Beach.
On May 23 1961 Mrs. Striker became entitled to specific club privileges for her family and guests. This privilege was $35 and was the lowest of three (3) rates. She received a card marked "1961 Open House Parking Only" and a copy of the club rules and regulations. The card was good "only for Lot #1". The rules and regulations required this card to be presented at the gate to enable access. No pets were allowed, and the gates would remain open until sunset.
On June 10, 1961, there was significant traffic because a boat washed ashore on the beach about 700 feet to the west of the Mr. Baker's property. At 4:30 P.M. Mr. Striker, along with his wife and their two (2) dogs arrived at the beach entrance.
Their vehicle was stopped by a man, John Duffy, a special police officer for the Town of Westport. At first Duffy believed that Mr. Striker wasn't a member of the club, but Mrs. Striker stated she was in fact a member. Duffy then told them access would be denied since they had dogs in the vehicle, and that is not allowed according to the rules and regulations.
Mr. Striker stated "You are not going to stop me or nobody else, John. I'm going in, dogs or no dogs." Duffy then explained that he would contact Mr. Baker and that he would be returned his membership fee and his privileges would be revoked. The Strikers then left.
Mr. Striker then drove to a neighboring inn, where he consumed alcoholic beverages. About five minutes later accompanied by a man, who was a member of the beach club, he drove his car and the dogs back to the beach. At the entrance to the club property, he drove at a very high rate of speed past Mr. Duffy, who had to jump back to avoid being hit, or for fear of being hit by the car. After ten to fifteen minutes at the beach, where the car was parked on lot 3, an unauthorized parking space, they left and returned to the inn.
At the inn Mr. Striker chatted with three (3) men, Mr. Harney, Mr. Lees, and Mr. Reed and then began to drive them to the beach in order to see the boat that had come aground. The dogs were still in the vehicle.
At 5:22 P.M. Mr. Baker arrived back at the entrance to the club and Mr. Duffy began explaining to him about Mr. Striker's repeated visits. As they were talking Mr. Striker along with his passengers arrived at the club and according to Mr. Duffy entered at an even faster rate than before and didn't stop or slow down. There was several different version of this event, what exactly happened remains unclear.
Mr. Baker becomes enraged, he gets into his vehicle and drives to the parking lot. Mr. Baker claimed "The men were all getting out of the car then and starting down on the beach, and so, of course, I knew that he had been over two times, and I felt that there was a chance that he might be making trouble. He had a reputation for being a troublemaker, and I was afraid that if I didn't protect myself, I would be in danger of being badly harmed or possibly killed by him. So I went to the pump house and got my gun." After getting his firearm, a .32 revolver, from the pump house "I started off down the beach to speak to them and ask them to take their car and the dogs off the parking lot. And I hurried as fast as I could. . . . And I overhauled them rapidly until I was probably within 100 feet of them. And then I blew a whistle at them." No response.
"I felt that they were deliberately ignoring me and I would have to bring their attention; and so I took the gun out of my pocket and fired it" into the sand to one side. The men turned around again and started back toward the Mr. Baker. Mr. Striker was leading the group of men walking towards Mr. Baker. Mr. Striker was quite heated and a verbal argument began, which escalated into a physical assault by Mr. Striker. The punch knocked Mr. Baker to the ground. At this point Mr. Baker felt threatened, and stated if they came closer he would shoot. Mr. Striker approached and Mr. Baker fired. "After the shot was fired "He kept on coming . . .. He was even closer. And I really was terrified at that time that he was going to get the blow in. And, so, I shot at his shoulder at that time to try to stop him and the other men who were coming in from both sides." Mr. Baker testified did not intend to kill or mortally wound him.
Mr. Harney testified he heard no whistles. He heard a shot, turned around, and saw Mr. Baker 150 to 200 feet away walking very rapidly up the beach, and the Mr. Striker walking back toward him. Mr. Harney saw Mr. Baker raise his gun and fire. Mr. Striker did not flinch or move but stood momentarily. He then took a few steps towards Mr. Baker, who raised the gun and fired again. Mr. Striker sank to the ground with blood coming out of his mouth. Mr. Harney testified he never saw Mr. Striker assault Mr. Baker.
Mr. Reed testified he heard no whistles. When he heard a shot, he stopped and turned. He saw the Mr. Baker hurrying down the beach toward them. Mr. Striker started walking back toward Mr. Baker. Mr. Reed started walking again toward the boat. A minute later he thought he heard voices, and turned in time to see the Mr. Striker motion at the Mr. Baker, and the Mr. Baker's glasses fall. Reed heard a shot, but did not see it fired. Mr. Striker kept advancing. There was a second shot, and Mr. Striker stumbled and fell forward on the ground. Not more than one or two seconds elapsed between the two shots.
Mr. Lees testified he heard no whistles. He testified he saw the Mr. Baker walking rapidly up the beach. Lees then turned back and proceeded toward the boat. When he heard another shot he turned simultaneously with a second shot which he saw the Mr. Baker discharge the weapon.
Outcome
In 1963 Mr. Baker appealed his murder conviction to a three (3) judge court. The charge was reduced to manslaughter and a 2 1/2 year jail sentence was imposed. Mr. Baker was paroled after serving 14 months in jail. He was later pardoned in 1970. After being pardoned, Mr. Baker sold all of his property and moved to Arizona. He is now deceased
Herbert John Striker Jr. 1905-1961
Mr. Striker left behind his wife, and two (2) daughters. He is buried in Beech Grove Cemetery.
Almeda Albertine Hall Fanning 1909 Solved
On July 25 1909 around 2PM Robert M. Fanning (28) walked into the New Bedford Police Department and presented Lt. Comstock a letter.
"To woman it may concern: I am very very sorry for what has occurred and the police can judge for themselves if I was not too hasty likewise my wife. God bless her, and I hope she will never know what happened to her dead father and mother. I loved my child better than myself. May God give me his blessing and to my child ever lasting good will. I have has a good deal to put up with and the end is near. Trusting my my baby will have the best care, as she is such a happy child but my God I must. Oh God I wish I could live to comfort my child; she has everthing to live for. I hope she will benefit by it, as there is enough for her to be wealthy. I would like to have my baby join us but as cruel as I am, I have no heart for such. My wife's body lays on the west side of Lyon's Brook, about 50 feet to the south of the bushes. Please give it immediate attention and remove same as soon as possible. At my request please bury us both together. Trusting you will do your duty, I remain, Yours very truly Robert M Fanning."
"P.S. Don't fail to look for my wife's body and remove same as soon as possible. Oh, my god, what have I done (***) for baby? Be sure and put my baby in good hands. My folks will take her, as I wish, which is my last wish. Hoping my baby will be looked after, I know my folks will attend to it, good-by pa and ma, brother and sisters and to all my friends. God Bless you all, and not forgetting my own flesh and blood, my baby. Mrs. Murray is a kind woman, and I must bot forget her; God bless her. I am sorry for what I have done. Please give my ring and belongings to my brother Will."
After the letter is read by Lt. Thomas Comstock, Robert removes a pistol from his pocket, and commits suicide in the lobby of the police station. The investigation determined Almeda Albertine Hall Finning (27) was attacked and killed with an old tomahawk which Robert allegedly dug from a grave of a dead Indian chief in Westport. Robert hacked his wife to death on the west side of Lyons Brook (Lyons Brook is a cold-water tributary of the Westport Rivers Estuary—East Branch) then hid her body in the bushes. Robert then returned to his home in Westport, wrote a letter addressed to the chief of police in New Bedford, drove to the station confessed to the crime presented the letter and shot himself in the head in of front of the police officers.
Almeda and Robert are buried next to each other in Section A Lot 73 in an unmarked grave in Maple Grove Cemetery.
On July 25 1909 around 2PM Robert M. Fanning (28) walked into the New Bedford Police Department and presented Lt. Comstock a letter.
"To woman it may concern: I am very very sorry for what has occurred and the police can judge for themselves if I was not too hasty likewise my wife. God bless her, and I hope she will never know what happened to her dead father and mother. I loved my child better than myself. May God give me his blessing and to my child ever lasting good will. I have has a good deal to put up with and the end is near. Trusting my my baby will have the best care, as she is such a happy child but my God I must. Oh God I wish I could live to comfort my child; she has everthing to live for. I hope she will benefit by it, as there is enough for her to be wealthy. I would like to have my baby join us but as cruel as I am, I have no heart for such. My wife's body lays on the west side of Lyon's Brook, about 50 feet to the south of the bushes. Please give it immediate attention and remove same as soon as possible. At my request please bury us both together. Trusting you will do your duty, I remain, Yours very truly Robert M Fanning."
"P.S. Don't fail to look for my wife's body and remove same as soon as possible. Oh, my god, what have I done (***) for baby? Be sure and put my baby in good hands. My folks will take her, as I wish, which is my last wish. Hoping my baby will be looked after, I know my folks will attend to it, good-by pa and ma, brother and sisters and to all my friends. God Bless you all, and not forgetting my own flesh and blood, my baby. Mrs. Murray is a kind woman, and I must bot forget her; God bless her. I am sorry for what I have done. Please give my ring and belongings to my brother Will."
After the letter is read by Lt. Thomas Comstock, Robert removes a pistol from his pocket, and commits suicide in the lobby of the police station. The investigation determined Almeda Albertine Hall Finning (27) was attacked and killed with an old tomahawk which Robert allegedly dug from a grave of a dead Indian chief in Westport. Robert hacked his wife to death on the west side of Lyons Brook (Lyons Brook is a cold-water tributary of the Westport Rivers Estuary—East Branch) then hid her body in the bushes. Robert then returned to his home in Westport, wrote a letter addressed to the chief of police in New Bedford, drove to the station confessed to the crime presented the letter and shot himself in the head in of front of the police officers.
Almeda and Robert are buried next to each other in Section A Lot 73 in an unmarked grave in Maple Grove Cemetery.
Arthur & Marilla Pelletier 1932 Solved
On July 1 1932 Arthur (24) & Marilla (23) Pelletier were shot to death in their home on Gadoury Street off Sanford Road. Arthur B. Manchester (24) confessed to the crime.
Investigation Summary
A dispute between the Pelletiers' and Manchester boiled over into murder. After committing the murders at 1:30 A.M., Manchester roamed the woods nearby for several hours contemplating his actions and decided to turn himself in. Manchester started walking on State Road (Route 6) where he noticed Westport Police Chief Normal Hopkinson driving towards him and flagged him down, and confessed to him about the killings.
In a statement provided to the District Attorney, Manchester claimed he arrived at the Pelletiers' home with intent to settle the disagreement. There was a gathering occurring so he waited for two (2) hours until the gathering ended.
He then approached the front door, and was met by Arthur Pelletier, who denied him entry. Manchester then shot Arthur without a struggle. Manchester then smashed a window and climbed through it; entering the living room where he shot Marilla to death. After the shooting he fled the scene into the woods.
Police determined seven (7) shots were fired, two (2) striking Arthur, four (4) striking Marilla, and a stray bullet. The .38 caliber revolver used in the crime was later recovered at the home of Clarence Manchester, his cousin.
Arthur Manchester was a former boarder and farm hand at the Pelletier house. The exact reason for the initial dispute was never disclosed.
Manchester was indicted on two (2) counts of murder and at trial was found guilty and sentenced to be executed. On September 10 1933 was the date set for his execution, but the sentence was commuted to life in prison.
* In researching this event it was discovered an Arthur Brown Manchester (1907-1988) is buried in Westport at the Beech Grove Cemetery (section A2 Lot 265) along with his wife Elmira Jones Manchester (1905-1991). How does Manchester become released from prison and when? Did his wife know he was a convicted double-murderer?
On July 1 1932 Arthur (24) & Marilla (23) Pelletier were shot to death in their home on Gadoury Street off Sanford Road. Arthur B. Manchester (24) confessed to the crime.
Investigation Summary
A dispute between the Pelletiers' and Manchester boiled over into murder. After committing the murders at 1:30 A.M., Manchester roamed the woods nearby for several hours contemplating his actions and decided to turn himself in. Manchester started walking on State Road (Route 6) where he noticed Westport Police Chief Normal Hopkinson driving towards him and flagged him down, and confessed to him about the killings.
In a statement provided to the District Attorney, Manchester claimed he arrived at the Pelletiers' home with intent to settle the disagreement. There was a gathering occurring so he waited for two (2) hours until the gathering ended.
He then approached the front door, and was met by Arthur Pelletier, who denied him entry. Manchester then shot Arthur without a struggle. Manchester then smashed a window and climbed through it; entering the living room where he shot Marilla to death. After the shooting he fled the scene into the woods.
Police determined seven (7) shots were fired, two (2) striking Arthur, four (4) striking Marilla, and a stray bullet. The .38 caliber revolver used in the crime was later recovered at the home of Clarence Manchester, his cousin.
Arthur Manchester was a former boarder and farm hand at the Pelletier house. The exact reason for the initial dispute was never disclosed.
Manchester was indicted on two (2) counts of murder and at trial was found guilty and sentenced to be executed. On September 10 1933 was the date set for his execution, but the sentence was commuted to life in prison.
* In researching this event it was discovered an Arthur Brown Manchester (1907-1988) is buried in Westport at the Beech Grove Cemetery (section A2 Lot 265) along with his wife Elmira Jones Manchester (1905-1991). How does Manchester become released from prison and when? Did his wife know he was a convicted double-murderer?
Holder Alonzo Tripp 1897 Solved
Holder Alonzo Tripp (1846-1897) was a farm laborer and wheelwright who lived with his parents into his early adult years. In 1886 while residing in New Bedford he married 20-year old Fannie Lee Morris. The marriage was brief and ended in divorce. Holder then moved back to Westport.
While now residing in Westport he met Sarah Smith Reagan who was 20 years younger than him. Sarah, at the age 15, married William Reagan of Fall River in 1881. Sarah left William in 1887, never divorcing him, and moved in with Holder.
Sarah had just turned 30 years old when she left Holder for a man much closer to her own age, Jeremiah Manchester Jr., who was 26 years old. On June 24, 1897, Sarah and Jeremiah appeared before Justice of the Peace to be married. Sarah provided her name as Sarah Smith, which was her maiden name, and the ceremony was performed, despite the fact that she never divorced Reagan or identified herself as being married.
On July 11 1897, Jeremiah and Sarah were out riding in their carriage on Eastern Avenue in Fall River when they came upon Holder in his wagon. Holder offered to have a few drinks with the newlywed couple, and produced several bottles of lager from his own wagon. The three drank to the point where, according to witnesses, Sarah, and perhaps the men as well, were drunk. Words were exchanged and Holder allegedly challenged Jeremiah to return to Westport to settle their differences once and for all.
At the railroad crossing at the Narrows near Sanford Road and New Bedford Road, the fight began. Jeremiah was able to get Holder on the ground where he kicked him several times in the head. Witnesses at the time passing by reported they saw Sarah holding Holder's bloodied head in her lap comforting him. Holder died just before 12:30 AM. The medical examiner noted no less than 10 blows to the head, fracturing his skull and all of his facial bones except his lower jaw.
Initially, Jeremiah claimed that they had come across Holder's empty wagon and then found him in the road suggesting he had possibly had “fallen from his wagon”.
Jeremiah Manchester confessed to killing Holder and pled guilty to manslaughter. Jeremiah was ordered him to serve not less than 6, nor more than 8 years. Manchester served his State Prison sentence but was subsequently declared insane and confined to the Bridgewater State Hospital for the remainder of his life. He died there in 1951 at age 80.
Sarah Reagan pled guilty to the crime of polygamy, and was sentenced to two years at hard labor.
Interesting Note:
Jeremiah's grandfather, Gideon Manchester (35), was the first Fall River Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty. On July 16 1852 Constable Manchester was shot and killed by James Clough (29). Constable Manchester confronted Clough who was observed breaking and entering into a Fall River business, stealing $500 in cash. While attempting to place Clough under arrest, Clough broke free which resulted in a foot pursuit. During the foot pursuit, Clough turned, drew a firearm and shot Constable Manchester.
Clough was ultimately arrested and sent to prison on December 30, 1852. After several escapes from jail, James Clough was executed in Taunton by hanging on April 18, 1854.
Holder Alonzo Tripp (1846-1897) was a farm laborer and wheelwright who lived with his parents into his early adult years. In 1886 while residing in New Bedford he married 20-year old Fannie Lee Morris. The marriage was brief and ended in divorce. Holder then moved back to Westport.
While now residing in Westport he met Sarah Smith Reagan who was 20 years younger than him. Sarah, at the age 15, married William Reagan of Fall River in 1881. Sarah left William in 1887, never divorcing him, and moved in with Holder.
Sarah had just turned 30 years old when she left Holder for a man much closer to her own age, Jeremiah Manchester Jr., who was 26 years old. On June 24, 1897, Sarah and Jeremiah appeared before Justice of the Peace to be married. Sarah provided her name as Sarah Smith, which was her maiden name, and the ceremony was performed, despite the fact that she never divorced Reagan or identified herself as being married.
On July 11 1897, Jeremiah and Sarah were out riding in their carriage on Eastern Avenue in Fall River when they came upon Holder in his wagon. Holder offered to have a few drinks with the newlywed couple, and produced several bottles of lager from his own wagon. The three drank to the point where, according to witnesses, Sarah, and perhaps the men as well, were drunk. Words were exchanged and Holder allegedly challenged Jeremiah to return to Westport to settle their differences once and for all.
At the railroad crossing at the Narrows near Sanford Road and New Bedford Road, the fight began. Jeremiah was able to get Holder on the ground where he kicked him several times in the head. Witnesses at the time passing by reported they saw Sarah holding Holder's bloodied head in her lap comforting him. Holder died just before 12:30 AM. The medical examiner noted no less than 10 blows to the head, fracturing his skull and all of his facial bones except his lower jaw.
Initially, Jeremiah claimed that they had come across Holder's empty wagon and then found him in the road suggesting he had possibly had “fallen from his wagon”.
Jeremiah Manchester confessed to killing Holder and pled guilty to manslaughter. Jeremiah was ordered him to serve not less than 6, nor more than 8 years. Manchester served his State Prison sentence but was subsequently declared insane and confined to the Bridgewater State Hospital for the remainder of his life. He died there in 1951 at age 80.
Sarah Reagan pled guilty to the crime of polygamy, and was sentenced to two years at hard labor.
Interesting Note:
Jeremiah's grandfather, Gideon Manchester (35), was the first Fall River Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty. On July 16 1852 Constable Manchester was shot and killed by James Clough (29). Constable Manchester confronted Clough who was observed breaking and entering into a Fall River business, stealing $500 in cash. While attempting to place Clough under arrest, Clough broke free which resulted in a foot pursuit. During the foot pursuit, Clough turned, drew a firearm and shot Constable Manchester.
Clough was ultimately arrested and sent to prison on December 30, 1852. After several escapes from jail, James Clough was executed in Taunton by hanging on April 18, 1854.
Benjamin Howard 1870 Solved
November 29 1870 was the last time Benjamin Howard (82) was seen alive. His neighbors growing suspicious for a few days visited his farm looking for him. His farm was on Main Road located just south of Charlotte White Road.
On December 3 1870 at the south end of the farmhouse the neighbors discovered a milk bucket, still full of milk, and Howard's cap. The neighbors commenced a search of the property. A blood trail was discovered that lead from the farmhouse, through a meadow, over two (2) stonewalls to a wooded area where Howards body was discovered.
The injuries to his body were severe, Howard had been shot in the arm, then struck four (4) times with an axe. His right leg was severed off at the thigh. Robbery appeared to be the initial motive, A watch and money were stolen from Howards body.
Benjamin Howard was laid to rest in the Linden Grove Cemetery in Westport. Lot 64 Grave 7
Charles Cuffee (14)
Charles went to the Central Village with $12 and made several purchases, which raised the suspicion of the store clerk. The clerk, knowing $12 was a significant amount of money back then, and Charles was mixed race, and came from a poor family, triggered a call the police.
On December 5 1870 two New Bedford police officers arrived at the school which the Charles attended in Westport and asked him to accompany them to the scene of the murder. Charles explained to police, in great detail how Howard was killed. Charles was placed under arrest for murder and transported to New Bedford.
Charles Cuffee was a great grandnephew of Captain Paul Cuffee, who was a sea captain and entrepreneur, one of the most prominent Black figures of post-Revolutionary America and was perhaps the wealthiest black American of his time. Charles was from a poor family and was born out of wedlock, which was very much frowned upon in those days. His father was a sailor named Charles Hall who was lost at sea before he could marry Lucy, his mother.
Without legal consultation, or contact with friends or family, police searched him, stripped him of his clothing, and placed him in a cell at the police station. It was about 10PM he was taken from the cell for purposes of questioning and examining him, and examined him from that time till midnight, without warning him of his right not to answer unless he chose to do to or offering him any opportunity to consult with counsel.
Charles Cuffee Confesses
Charles was charged with 1st degree murder. After being arrested, Charles was placed in the New Bedford jail, questioned and confessed to the murder.
Charles admitted he took his gun about 4AM to the Howard Farm. He attempted to gain entry with a crowbar and fearing Howard would hear it, he hid behind a wall and waited until Howard returned from milking the cows. When Howard returned Charles shot him, then struck him with an axe. Charles claimed he stole Howard's wallet containing $12. He then admitted to preforming the mutilation on Howards body and hiding the body in the woods. Charles admitted shame for his actions.
Charles Cuffee Changes Confession
While in custody, Charles recanted his original confession and provided more specific details on what happened. Charles explained that another boy from Charlotte White Road named John Petty had committed the crime. Charles claimed he was bullied by John Petty. They both knew Howard and knew he had money. Charles admitted taking Howards watch, it's claimed they planned the robbery and Charles was on only to help cover-up the crime. Charles claimed after hearing shots at home he came to the Howard farm where he saw Petty strike Howard with an axe and also witnesses Petty drag Howards body into the woods.
Charles claimed he helped Petty drag the body into the woods where the body was searched. A wallet, key, knife, money and tobacco were found in the dead man's pockets. Petty took the money the two of them then dug a grave until daylight. The body was then tossed into the grave, but the hole wasn't deep enough so they removed the body. Petty then went to the farmhouse and gathered a saw and axe and while Charles watched, Petty chopped Howards leg off.
Charles claimed Petty gave him the $10 bill while they were walking home. Petty was later questioned and denied any involvement.
Charles Cuffee Changes Confession Again
The day after implicating John Petty, Charles told another confession. Charles stated that William Davol (20) had murdered Howard and had paid Charles to be quiet about the crime. Davol has recently been released from jail after serving a sentence for robbery. Charles claimed Davol borrowed his BB gun, and later heard shots from the Howard Farm, and saw Davol killing Howard. Davol offered Charles $12 to help him drag Howard's body into the woods and sworn to secrecy.
Charles now explained that Howard's leg was hacked off because it got tangled in the fence while going through the woods. Charles claimed he confessed to the crime because he promised Davol never to mention the crime. Charles claimed he accused John Petty because Petty knew about what the murder and hoped that Petty would come forward and implicate Davol, thus Charles would then have kept his promise. Davol was located and questioned and denied any involvement.
Commonwealth vs. Charles Cuffee April 1871
The New Bedford court appointed two (2) lawyers to defend Charles because his mother could not afford legal representation. Defense attorneys pointed out that this boy lacked the physical ability to have dragged a heavy body into the woods.
Charles took the stand and testified to the same details he had provided in the 3rd confession. John Petty and William Davol both testified they knew nothing of the murder.
In May 1871, the jury found Charles guilty of 1st-degree murder and later in November 1871, Judge Reuben Chapman sentenced this young black man to be hung by the neck until dead. Massachusetts Governor Claflin commuted the sentence to life imprisonment because of Charles’ youth and lack of education.
Charles Cuffee Dead 1874
On August 28 1874 Charles Cuffee, now 17, died of pneumonia in Tewksbury State Hospital. He is buried in the Tewksbury State Hospital Cemetery in an unmarked grave.
November 29 1870 was the last time Benjamin Howard (82) was seen alive. His neighbors growing suspicious for a few days visited his farm looking for him. His farm was on Main Road located just south of Charlotte White Road.
On December 3 1870 at the south end of the farmhouse the neighbors discovered a milk bucket, still full of milk, and Howard's cap. The neighbors commenced a search of the property. A blood trail was discovered that lead from the farmhouse, through a meadow, over two (2) stonewalls to a wooded area where Howards body was discovered.
The injuries to his body were severe, Howard had been shot in the arm, then struck four (4) times with an axe. His right leg was severed off at the thigh. Robbery appeared to be the initial motive, A watch and money were stolen from Howards body.
Benjamin Howard was laid to rest in the Linden Grove Cemetery in Westport. Lot 64 Grave 7
Charles Cuffee (14)
Charles went to the Central Village with $12 and made several purchases, which raised the suspicion of the store clerk. The clerk, knowing $12 was a significant amount of money back then, and Charles was mixed race, and came from a poor family, triggered a call the police.
On December 5 1870 two New Bedford police officers arrived at the school which the Charles attended in Westport and asked him to accompany them to the scene of the murder. Charles explained to police, in great detail how Howard was killed. Charles was placed under arrest for murder and transported to New Bedford.
Charles Cuffee was a great grandnephew of Captain Paul Cuffee, who was a sea captain and entrepreneur, one of the most prominent Black figures of post-Revolutionary America and was perhaps the wealthiest black American of his time. Charles was from a poor family and was born out of wedlock, which was very much frowned upon in those days. His father was a sailor named Charles Hall who was lost at sea before he could marry Lucy, his mother.
Without legal consultation, or contact with friends or family, police searched him, stripped him of his clothing, and placed him in a cell at the police station. It was about 10PM he was taken from the cell for purposes of questioning and examining him, and examined him from that time till midnight, without warning him of his right not to answer unless he chose to do to or offering him any opportunity to consult with counsel.
Charles Cuffee Confesses
Charles was charged with 1st degree murder. After being arrested, Charles was placed in the New Bedford jail, questioned and confessed to the murder.
Charles admitted he took his gun about 4AM to the Howard Farm. He attempted to gain entry with a crowbar and fearing Howard would hear it, he hid behind a wall and waited until Howard returned from milking the cows. When Howard returned Charles shot him, then struck him with an axe. Charles claimed he stole Howard's wallet containing $12. He then admitted to preforming the mutilation on Howards body and hiding the body in the woods. Charles admitted shame for his actions.
Charles Cuffee Changes Confession
While in custody, Charles recanted his original confession and provided more specific details on what happened. Charles explained that another boy from Charlotte White Road named John Petty had committed the crime. Charles claimed he was bullied by John Petty. They both knew Howard and knew he had money. Charles admitted taking Howards watch, it's claimed they planned the robbery and Charles was on only to help cover-up the crime. Charles claimed after hearing shots at home he came to the Howard farm where he saw Petty strike Howard with an axe and also witnesses Petty drag Howards body into the woods.
Charles claimed he helped Petty drag the body into the woods where the body was searched. A wallet, key, knife, money and tobacco were found in the dead man's pockets. Petty took the money the two of them then dug a grave until daylight. The body was then tossed into the grave, but the hole wasn't deep enough so they removed the body. Petty then went to the farmhouse and gathered a saw and axe and while Charles watched, Petty chopped Howards leg off.
Charles claimed Petty gave him the $10 bill while they were walking home. Petty was later questioned and denied any involvement.
Charles Cuffee Changes Confession Again
The day after implicating John Petty, Charles told another confession. Charles stated that William Davol (20) had murdered Howard and had paid Charles to be quiet about the crime. Davol has recently been released from jail after serving a sentence for robbery. Charles claimed Davol borrowed his BB gun, and later heard shots from the Howard Farm, and saw Davol killing Howard. Davol offered Charles $12 to help him drag Howard's body into the woods and sworn to secrecy.
Charles now explained that Howard's leg was hacked off because it got tangled in the fence while going through the woods. Charles claimed he confessed to the crime because he promised Davol never to mention the crime. Charles claimed he accused John Petty because Petty knew about what the murder and hoped that Petty would come forward and implicate Davol, thus Charles would then have kept his promise. Davol was located and questioned and denied any involvement.
Commonwealth vs. Charles Cuffee April 1871
The New Bedford court appointed two (2) lawyers to defend Charles because his mother could not afford legal representation. Defense attorneys pointed out that this boy lacked the physical ability to have dragged a heavy body into the woods.
Charles took the stand and testified to the same details he had provided in the 3rd confession. John Petty and William Davol both testified they knew nothing of the murder.
In May 1871, the jury found Charles guilty of 1st-degree murder and later in November 1871, Judge Reuben Chapman sentenced this young black man to be hung by the neck until dead. Massachusetts Governor Claflin commuted the sentence to life imprisonment because of Charles’ youth and lack of education.
Charles Cuffee Dead 1874
On August 28 1874 Charles Cuffee, now 17, died of pneumonia in Tewksbury State Hospital. He is buried in the Tewksbury State Hospital Cemetery in an unmarked grave.