Partial Skull Recoveries Undetermined 2021
On March 23, 1972 a 34-foot fishing boat capsized with two (2) men onboard. Billy Kirby, and Tim Flores, Flores went missing and was presumed to have drowned. In December 1974 two (2) duck hunters discovered a headless human torso with some clothing in the Westport River. The remains were later positively identified as Flores. Keys belonging to Flores were found in the pocket of the pants found on the torso, along with a knife, which was later identified by Flores’ father.
On January 19 1975 the "Atlantic Sword" left Westport around midnight for a trip to the offshore lobster grounds about 75 miles to the southwest of the Westport harbor. It was just ten degrees on the night they left. They were scheduled to return on Saturday night around 10 p.m. but the boat was never seen again. The vessel "Atlantic Sword" sank at the mouth of the Westport Harbor. On board were James Pierce (27), Orin G. Crapo (44), and John Bell (36). The cause of the sinking remains unknown
The body of James Pierce was discovered on the west branch of the Westport River in a lobster box. Pierce survived the sinking and was able to get inside the floating lobster box, however the medical examiner listed the cause of death as exposure due to cold. Partial remains of Orin Crapo were discovered on Horseneck Beach on March 25 1975. There were enough remains to make a positive identity. John Bell was lost at sea. Although parts of two of these men were later recovered, their skulls were not.
Remains Discovered 2010
On October 6, 2010, George Pierce was quahogging near a vacant boat slip behind the Back Eddy restaurant in Westport and recovered a human skull from around 8-10 feet of water. He wrapped it in plastic and brought it to Westport Police. The medical examiner confirmed it was a human skull. The State Police Underwater Recovery Team searched the area, but found but no other evidence or skeletal remains.
Further examination by a forensic anthropologist suggested that the skull likely belonged to a Caucasian man 30-70 years old who died at least six months — but possibly years — before his discovery.
As mentioned above George Pierce had made the discovery of the partial skull. In an odd twist the second boat tragedy involves his own family. George’s father, was James Pierce, and George’s uncle, was Orin G. Crapo.
Remains Discovered 2019
On May 26, 2019, Westport Police were dispatched to Cherry & Webb Beach for a report of a possible human skull found on the beach. Police responded and met with a woman who indicated that she and her daughter had been walking along the shoreline when they noticed what appeared to be a skull where the waves reached the beach. She moved the skull to prevent it from being washed away and promptly called the police.
The skull was subsequently taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office where it was examined and determined to be a human, adult skull. However, no age, sex, race or estimate of when this death occurred could be determined. This human skull was later sent for further examination and a DNA profile was successfully recovered and uploaded to CODIS but without any identification being made.
Remains Discovered 2021
On January 3 2021 Dartmouth Police were called by a man who was walking along the shoreline of Little Beach in Dartmouth when he located what appeared to be the top part of a human skull above the high tide mark. No other remains were found during a further search of this area. The skull was transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office where it was confirmed that it was a human skull. Although initially reported that the skull was from a male, that determination has not yet been confirmed. The approximate timeframe of the death has also not been established.
Status
There is no evidence the pieces of skulls recovered are connected to either of the two boating accidents. The District Attorney’s Office is investigating along with the assistance of the Medical Examiner's Office.
On March 23, 1972 a 34-foot fishing boat capsized with two (2) men onboard. Billy Kirby, and Tim Flores, Flores went missing and was presumed to have drowned. In December 1974 two (2) duck hunters discovered a headless human torso with some clothing in the Westport River. The remains were later positively identified as Flores. Keys belonging to Flores were found in the pocket of the pants found on the torso, along with a knife, which was later identified by Flores’ father.
On January 19 1975 the "Atlantic Sword" left Westport around midnight for a trip to the offshore lobster grounds about 75 miles to the southwest of the Westport harbor. It was just ten degrees on the night they left. They were scheduled to return on Saturday night around 10 p.m. but the boat was never seen again. The vessel "Atlantic Sword" sank at the mouth of the Westport Harbor. On board were James Pierce (27), Orin G. Crapo (44), and John Bell (36). The cause of the sinking remains unknown
The body of James Pierce was discovered on the west branch of the Westport River in a lobster box. Pierce survived the sinking and was able to get inside the floating lobster box, however the medical examiner listed the cause of death as exposure due to cold. Partial remains of Orin Crapo were discovered on Horseneck Beach on March 25 1975. There were enough remains to make a positive identity. John Bell was lost at sea. Although parts of two of these men were later recovered, their skulls were not.
Remains Discovered 2010
On October 6, 2010, George Pierce was quahogging near a vacant boat slip behind the Back Eddy restaurant in Westport and recovered a human skull from around 8-10 feet of water. He wrapped it in plastic and brought it to Westport Police. The medical examiner confirmed it was a human skull. The State Police Underwater Recovery Team searched the area, but found but no other evidence or skeletal remains.
Further examination by a forensic anthropologist suggested that the skull likely belonged to a Caucasian man 30-70 years old who died at least six months — but possibly years — before his discovery.
As mentioned above George Pierce had made the discovery of the partial skull. In an odd twist the second boat tragedy involves his own family. George’s father, was James Pierce, and George’s uncle, was Orin G. Crapo.
Remains Discovered 2019
On May 26, 2019, Westport Police were dispatched to Cherry & Webb Beach for a report of a possible human skull found on the beach. Police responded and met with a woman who indicated that she and her daughter had been walking along the shoreline when they noticed what appeared to be a skull where the waves reached the beach. She moved the skull to prevent it from being washed away and promptly called the police.
The skull was subsequently taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office where it was examined and determined to be a human, adult skull. However, no age, sex, race or estimate of when this death occurred could be determined. This human skull was later sent for further examination and a DNA profile was successfully recovered and uploaded to CODIS but without any identification being made.
Remains Discovered 2021
On January 3 2021 Dartmouth Police were called by a man who was walking along the shoreline of Little Beach in Dartmouth when he located what appeared to be the top part of a human skull above the high tide mark. No other remains were found during a further search of this area. The skull was transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office where it was confirmed that it was a human skull. Although initially reported that the skull was from a male, that determination has not yet been confirmed. The approximate timeframe of the death has also not been established.
Status
There is no evidence the pieces of skulls recovered are connected to either of the two boating accidents. The District Attorney’s Office is investigating along with the assistance of the Medical Examiner's Office.
Suzanna Sanchez Alvarado Unsolved Murder 2005 On October 14, 2005 Suzanna Sanchez Alvarado (42) walked out of 115 Campbell Street in New Bedford, after saying good-bye to her husband of twelve (12) years, Alejandro Sanchez Alvarado, for a night out. On October 16, 2005 after Suzanna not arriving back at home after two (2) days, she was reported missing to New Bedford Police. Investigators determined Suzanna was arrested on October 14, 2005 by New Bedford Police on charges of public drunkenness and prostitution. She was released from the Bristol County House of Correction that same day. Where she went after being released is unknown.
On October 17, 2005 Suzanna's body was discovered beaten almost beyond recognition and strangled to death on the Route 88 on-ramp to I-195 eastbound in Westport. There are no suspects, and the case remains unsolved.
Suzanna had a long record of prostitution dating back to August 1987, drug arrests and violent behavior. She used many aliases and had many interactions with law enforcement dating back to 1987. In December 1996 Suzanna pled guilty in Fall River District Court to assault with a dangerous weapon and received a six-month suspended sentence. Three years later, in May, 1998, she was sentenced to nine (9) months in jail when she pled guilty to assault and battery and threatening bodily harm. On August 31, 2002, Fall River police were called to 142 Hamlet St. to investigate a complaint. Police located Suzanna with a deep knife wound to her left arm. She was taken to Charlton Memorial Hospital and later that night committed to Corrigan Mental Health Center.
In closing, Suzanna was a friend to many, a sister, and a mother of four (4) children.
On October 17, 2005 Suzanna's body was discovered beaten almost beyond recognition and strangled to death on the Route 88 on-ramp to I-195 eastbound in Westport. There are no suspects, and the case remains unsolved.
Suzanna had a long record of prostitution dating back to August 1987, drug arrests and violent behavior. She used many aliases and had many interactions with law enforcement dating back to 1987. In December 1996 Suzanna pled guilty in Fall River District Court to assault with a dangerous weapon and received a six-month suspended sentence. Three years later, in May, 1998, she was sentenced to nine (9) months in jail when she pled guilty to assault and battery and threatening bodily harm. On August 31, 2002, Fall River police were called to 142 Hamlet St. to investigate a complaint. Police located Suzanna with a deep knife wound to her left arm. She was taken to Charlton Memorial Hospital and later that night committed to Corrigan Mental Health Center.
In closing, Suzanna was a friend to many, a sister, and a mother of four (4) children.
Daryl Duquette Unsolved Murder 1998
On September 25, 1998 Daryl Duquette (20) was stabbed three (3) times which resulted in his death, at a housing complex he resided at with James Blackledge (60). The two men resided together but rising tensions and allegations of physical and mental abuse lead to the incident. Blackledge alleged Duquette had been abusing him for weeks and prior to the incident has assaulted him with a pipe, which caused Blackledge to be hospitalized.
Blackledge also alleged Duquette drew an "imaginary" line thru the apartment, which Blackledge wasn't allowed to cross.
On this September day, Blackledge was chatting with two (2) of his neighbors when Duquette approached from the rear and struck Blackledge, knocking him to the ground.
Blackledge then rose to his feet and stabbed Duquette in the stomach three (3) times. Blackledge then fled the scene to a local restaurant where he phoned his daughter. Blackledge returned to the scene and was questioned by Westport Police. Daryl Duquette was laid to rest in Beech Grove Cemetery.
Charges and Outcome
James Blackledge was indicted on 2nd-degree murder and plead not guilty by reason of self-defense. At trial Blackledge was acquitted of all charges. James Blackledge died on August 7, 2014.
On September 25, 1998 Daryl Duquette (20) was stabbed three (3) times which resulted in his death, at a housing complex he resided at with James Blackledge (60). The two men resided together but rising tensions and allegations of physical and mental abuse lead to the incident. Blackledge alleged Duquette had been abusing him for weeks and prior to the incident has assaulted him with a pipe, which caused Blackledge to be hospitalized.
Blackledge also alleged Duquette drew an "imaginary" line thru the apartment, which Blackledge wasn't allowed to cross.
On this September day, Blackledge was chatting with two (2) of his neighbors when Duquette approached from the rear and struck Blackledge, knocking him to the ground.
Blackledge then rose to his feet and stabbed Duquette in the stomach three (3) times. Blackledge then fled the scene to a local restaurant where he phoned his daughter. Blackledge returned to the scene and was questioned by Westport Police. Daryl Duquette was laid to rest in Beech Grove Cemetery.
Charges and Outcome
James Blackledge was indicted on 2nd-degree murder and plead not guilty by reason of self-defense. At trial Blackledge was acquitted of all charges. James Blackledge died on August 7, 2014.
Wayne Triggs Unsolved Murder 1986
On October 28 1986 around 11 AM the body of Wayne Triggs (32) was discovered by two (2) fisherman floating in the Westport River at the end of Cherry & Webb Lane. His body was removed from the water and a mark on his head, prompted an investigation towards homicide.
Triggs was last seen at Alhambras (Route 177), where he was a regular customer. His vehicle was discovered parked in the parking lot on several days later. It's believed Triggs left Alhambra's, was held against his will, beaten then dumped into the river.
Triggs was a resident of Fairhaven and been arrested previously by Fairhaven Police and Freetown Police multiple times for drug distribution and possession. It's beleived this drug activity led to his death.
Cause of death was determined to be strangulation by ligature.
On October 28 1986 around 11 AM the body of Wayne Triggs (32) was discovered by two (2) fisherman floating in the Westport River at the end of Cherry & Webb Lane. His body was removed from the water and a mark on his head, prompted an investigation towards homicide.
Triggs was last seen at Alhambras (Route 177), where he was a regular customer. His vehicle was discovered parked in the parking lot on several days later. It's believed Triggs left Alhambra's, was held against his will, beaten then dumped into the river.
Triggs was a resident of Fairhaven and been arrested previously by Fairhaven Police and Freetown Police multiple times for drug distribution and possession. It's beleived this drug activity led to his death.
Cause of death was determined to be strangulation by ligature.
Deborah Perry Unsolved Murder 1986
On December 30 1985 Deborah Perry (28) was reported missing by her mother. She was last seen eleven (11) days prior. Perry lived at 1D Hillside Manor in the Father Diaferio Village in Fall River. The Father Diaferio Village was formerly known as Hillside Manor. The housing development underwent and extensive rehabilitation. At the time of Perry being reported missing, the project was known for being a haven for prostitution and drug dealing.
On December 24 1985 a witness reported to police seeing suspicious activity along Route 88.
"On Christmas Eve at approximately 2:30PM I was coming back from the hairdresser's. I was driving south on Route 88 and saw a car parked on the other side of the street with the trunk open. I slowed because of the trunk being open. I saw a male take something that looked like a body which he threw over his shoulder. It was wrapped with something that looked like a blanket. I slowed down and saw him walk into the woods with the object on his shoulder. I thought it was fishy, so I turned around just south of of Drift Road and drove back and saw the man coming out of the woods with a garbage bag in his hand. I drove down Hixbridge Road and parked just west of Route 88. Shortly after, he drove north on Route 88 and also turned west on Hixbridge Road by me. I had gotten his registration number before but rechecked and I have it right. I watched him take a left onto Main Road and waited for a while to see if he was coming back.He didn't, so I turned around and came home. I got a pretty good look at him because I looked at him full in the face as he was walking out of the woods. I think I could identify him."
On December 31 1985 a motorist made a discovery in a wooded area intersection of Route 88 and Drift Road; it was later determined to be Deborah Perry’s upper torso lying face down.
On February 27 1986 hikers discovered decomposed legs near a swamp in Tiverton R.I. The bone was devoid of flesh and still attached to a blue and white tennis shoe, it was later determined to belong to Deborah Perry. When police responded to the scene, they discovered the bones of the other leg partially wrapped in a plastic bag nearby. The area from the top of her thighs to her waistline was never recovered. Deborah's case became one of the area’s most gruesome homicide cases.
In June 1986 Thomas A. Souza of 99 Tremont St., Fall River, an alleged friend of Perry, was charged with her murder. The charges were dismissed when a judge ruled that police withheld evidence from the grand jury that had indicted him, and as a result there was no direct evidence to link Souza to the crime. Perry’s case collected dust for years and remains unsolved. Thomas Souza is now deceased.
On December 30 1985 Deborah Perry (28) was reported missing by her mother. She was last seen eleven (11) days prior. Perry lived at 1D Hillside Manor in the Father Diaferio Village in Fall River. The Father Diaferio Village was formerly known as Hillside Manor. The housing development underwent and extensive rehabilitation. At the time of Perry being reported missing, the project was known for being a haven for prostitution and drug dealing.
On December 24 1985 a witness reported to police seeing suspicious activity along Route 88.
"On Christmas Eve at approximately 2:30PM I was coming back from the hairdresser's. I was driving south on Route 88 and saw a car parked on the other side of the street with the trunk open. I slowed because of the trunk being open. I saw a male take something that looked like a body which he threw over his shoulder. It was wrapped with something that looked like a blanket. I slowed down and saw him walk into the woods with the object on his shoulder. I thought it was fishy, so I turned around just south of of Drift Road and drove back and saw the man coming out of the woods with a garbage bag in his hand. I drove down Hixbridge Road and parked just west of Route 88. Shortly after, he drove north on Route 88 and also turned west on Hixbridge Road by me. I had gotten his registration number before but rechecked and I have it right. I watched him take a left onto Main Road and waited for a while to see if he was coming back.He didn't, so I turned around and came home. I got a pretty good look at him because I looked at him full in the face as he was walking out of the woods. I think I could identify him."
On December 31 1985 a motorist made a discovery in a wooded area intersection of Route 88 and Drift Road; it was later determined to be Deborah Perry’s upper torso lying face down.
On February 27 1986 hikers discovered decomposed legs near a swamp in Tiverton R.I. The bone was devoid of flesh and still attached to a blue and white tennis shoe, it was later determined to belong to Deborah Perry. When police responded to the scene, they discovered the bones of the other leg partially wrapped in a plastic bag nearby. The area from the top of her thighs to her waistline was never recovered. Deborah's case became one of the area’s most gruesome homicide cases.
In June 1986 Thomas A. Souza of 99 Tremont St., Fall River, an alleged friend of Perry, was charged with her murder. The charges were dismissed when a judge ruled that police withheld evidence from the grand jury that had indicted him, and as a result there was no direct evidence to link Souza to the crime. Perry’s case collected dust for years and remains unsolved. Thomas Souza is now deceased.