'True Monsters Exist': Philip Chism Admits To Vicious Attack On Social Worker 'True Monsters Exist': Philip Chism Admits To Vicious Attack On Social Worker
'True Monsters Exist': Philip Chism Admits To Vicious Attack On Social Worker A social worker who was attacked by a convicted rapist and murderer said she has lived in fear for nearly a decade since that beating. However, she refuses to let it define her life.  Philip Chism, 25, of Danvers, admitted on Friday, April 26, to attempted murder, assault with intent to murder, assault with a dangerous weapon (cinder block), and kidnapping, the Suffolk County District Attorney announced.  The attack happened in 2015 when Chism was on trial for the rape and murder of this Danvers High School algebra teacher Colleen Ritzer a year earlier, the prosecutor said. C…
Oxford Man Coerced Multiple Children Into Making Child Porn: Feds Oxford Man Coerced Multiple Children Into Making Child Porn: Feds
Oxford Man Coerced Multiple Children Into Making Child Porn: Feds A 41-year-old Worcester County man is accused of multiple sex crimes against children, including coercing several into producing child sexual assault material, authorities announced on Friday, April 26.  Michael Lamountain, of Oxford, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, one count of sex trafficking of a minor, and four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  He was previously arrested and charged in February with a Rhode Island man for filming their assault of an underage girl. He has remained in custod…
Pittsfield Man Drove Child Across State Lines For Sex: Feds Pittsfield Man Drove Child Across State Lines For Sex: Feds
Paul Newton-Irelan Accused Of Driving Minor For Sex: Feds A 50-year-old Berkshire County man is accused of driving a minor to have sex, authorities said.  Paul Newton-Irelan is charged with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Newton-Irelan allegedly drove the minor to New York and Massachusetts on Nov. 26, 2023, as part of a scheme for sex, authorities said. He told police he thought the girl was 18, but she was 11 years old, reports said.  According to federal sentencing guidelines, he faces a minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted followed …
Chicopee Man Gets Up To 13 Years In Prison For Raping Multiple Children: DA Chicopee Man Gets Up To 13 Years In Prison For Raping Multiple Children: DA
Chicopee Man Gets Up To 13 Years In Prison For Raping Multiple Children: DA A Hampden County man found guilty of multiple heinous crimes against two children will spend more than a decade behind bars, a judge ruled this week.  Kenneth Arroyo, 41, of Chicopee, was sentenced to 12 to 13 years in prison after being convicted of two counts each of aggravated rape of a child, indecent assault and battery over 14, and indecent assault and battery under 14, the Hampden District Attorney said.  A jury convicted Arroyo on April 9, and he was sentenced on Tuesday, April 23.  Arroyo was accused of sexually abusing two children he knew who were between the ages…
6 Accused Of Multiple Smash, Grab Break-Ins To Steal Lottery Tickets: Essex DA 6 Accused Of Multiple Smash, Grab Break-Ins To Steal Lottery Tickets: Essex DA
6 Accused Of Multiple Smash, Grab Break-Ins To Steal Lottery Tickets: Essex DA A three-month investigation concluded this week with six arrests and more than 120 criminal charges tied to multiple store break-ins in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, authorities announced.  The Essex County District Attorney's Office announced the charges in what investigators dubbed “Operation Smash & Cash.” The sextet is accused of breaking into at least 12 convenience stores and stealing $50,000 worth of lottery tickets from February through April 2024 and causing thousands of dollars in damages.  The break-ins were reported at convenience stores in Swampscott, Saug…
Mass Passenger Among 3 Hurt —Including Trooper — In Pennsylvania Crash Mass Passenger Among 3 Hurt —Including Trooper — In Pennsylvania Crash
Mass Passenger Among 3 Hurt —Including Trooper — In Pennsylvania Crash A two-vehicle crash sent three people — including a trooper — to the hospital, Pennsylvania State Police on Wednesday, April 24.  The crash involved a marked PSP patrol SUV with lights and sirens on and a Ford Transit van with two 57-year-old men, a California driver with a Massachusetts passenger on Saturday, April 20 at 1:38 p.m., as detailed in the release.  The van was heading south of Millerstown Road in Cumberland Township when it approached a stop sign at the intersection with Emmitsburg Road but advanced "without clearance" — striking the patrol SUV, PSP det…
Prostitution Sting: 7 Busted Trying To Pay Holyoke Cops For Sex Prostitution Sting: 7 Busted Trying To Pay Holyoke Cops For Sex
Prostitution Sting: 7 Busted Trying To Pay Holyoke Cops For Sex Seven men were arrested in Hampden County earlier this week for trying to pay an undercover officer for sex in a sting.  Hokyoke police conducted the operation to target human trafficking in the city, authorities said.  Related: 5 Charged In Springfield Undercover Prostitution Sting Each of the men was charged with soliciting sex for a fee, officials said.  Those arrested are: Jorge Lopez — 49 years old Jose Santiago — 68 years old Christopher Laines — 34 years old Josue Ortiz — 29 years old Sarom Soeng — 47 years old Guy Flathers — 72 years old Joseph Fournier — 61 years…
Man Wanted In Western Mass Killing Arrested At Albany Airport Man Wanted In Western Mass Killing Arrested At Albany Airport
Man Wanted In Western Mass Killing Arrested At Albany Airport A 42-year-old man who is accused murdering someone and leaving their body inside a Western Massachusetts apartment was arrested in New York at Albany International Airport on Tuesday, April 23, authorities said.  Taaniel Herberger-Brown is being held on a fugitive from justice warrant in Albany County, following his arrest, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said.  Greenfield police were called to a Chapman Street apartment on Monday after neighbors called to complain about a horrific smell coming from the home. Officers found the body lying in one of the r…
South Hadley Man Says He Didn't Steal $100K In Jewelry, Valuables; DA Doesn't Buy It South Hadley Man Says He Didn't Steal $100K In Jewelry, Valuables; DA Doesn't Buy It
South Hadley Man Says He Didn't Steal $100K In Jewelry, Valuables; DA Doesn't Buy It A 64-year-old South Hadley man accused of stealing more than $100,000 worth of jewelry, coins, and other valuables has pleaded not guilty to the charges, authorities said.  Steven Skea is charged with two counts of breaking and entering in the nighttime, two counts of larceny in a building, and unlawful possession of a firearm without a permit, the Northwestern District Attorney said. The alleged burglaries happened last year.  He is being held without bail.  Skea is accused of breaking into two businesses in the dark of night and escaping with six figures worth of…
Triple Trouble: Family Gets Combative With Troopers After Wrong-Way Stop In Region, Cops Say Triple Trouble: Family Gets Combative With Troopers After Wrong-Way Stop In Region, Cops Say
Triple Trouble: Family Gets Combative With Troopers After Wrong-Way Stop In Region, Cops Say Three relatives were arrested following a wrong-way traffic stop on a Connecticut highway in which the women allegedly became combative with troopers. The incident happened at around 10:30 p.m. Monday, April 22, on I-84 in Hartford. Connecticut State Police said a trooper was responding to a crash near Exit 46 when they saw a Jeep going westbound in the eastbound lanes.  The Jeep then drove off the roadway into a grassy area before turning around to face east. The trooper conducted a traffic stop and determined that the driver, 34-year-old Brenda Crespo, of East Hartford, had expired…
Western Mass Man Admits To Drunken Crash That Killed Partner, Mom Of His Daughter: DA Western Mass Man Admits To Drunken Crash That Killed Partner, Mom Of His Daughter: DA
Western Mass Man Admits To Drunken Crash That Killed Partner, Mom Of His Daughter: DA A 30-year-old Hampshire County man has admitted to causing the 2023 rollover crash that killed his longtime partner and mother of his daughter, authorities announced on Monday, April 22.  Cory Menard, of Granby, pleaded guilty to vehicle homicide while operating negligently and under the influence of alcohol; and reckless assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, the Northwestern District Attorney said.  A judge sentenced him to two and a half years in prison with two years of probation once he's released, the prosecutor said. Earlier Report: Granby Man Charged In D…
Ex-Western Mass Police Chief Charged With Embezzling Town Funds Ex-Western Mass Police Chief Charged With Embezzling Town Funds
Ex-Western Mass Police Chief Charged With Embezzling Town Funds The former police chief in Franklin County has been charged with stealing money and equipment set aside for his department, authorities said.  Daniel J. Galvis, the former police chief for the Leyden Police Department, was indicted on two counts of larceny of a motor vehicle, 2 counts of larceny over $1,200, and 3 counts of violating the standards of conduct for public employees, the Northwestern District Attorney said.  He was released on his own recognizance after the hearing, authorities said.  A 2022 Office of the Inspector General investigation found that Galv…
Man Sexually Assaulted Child In Central Mass After Luring Her Into His Car At Beach: Police Man Sexually Assaulted Child In Central Mass After Luring Her Into His Car At Beach: Police
Man Sexually Assaulted Child In Central Mass After Luring Her Into His Car At Beach: Police A 68-year-old Worcester County man is accused of using a dog to lure a child into his car, where he kidnapped and sexually assaulted her, authorities said.  Walter Fanion, of Southbridge, is charged with kidnapping, enticing a child under 16, and four counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, Webster police said. The alleged incident happened on Monday, April 15.  The girl told police that she got into the man's car after he approached her at Memorial Beach with a dog. He walked her to his vehicle and then sped away once she was inside, officers said.  He d…
45 Arrested At Yale University Over Student Protests On War In Gaza 45 Arrested At Yale University Over Student Protests On War In Gaza
45 Arrested At Yale University Over Student Protests On War In Gaza Police arrested some 45 protesting the war in Gaza at Yale University after refusing to leave the campus. The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m., Monday, April 22, in Beinecke Plaza at Yale University in New Haven. According to Officer Christian Bruckhart of the New Haven Police, officers responded to assist the Yale Police Department regarding a protest in the Beinecke Plaza area.  The protesters were told to leave the property or face arrest. Approximately 45 people refused to leave and were charged by Yale officers with criminal trespass, Bruckhart said. They were transported to a…
Man Charged With Sexual Assault, Violating Protective Order In Region Man Charged With Sexual Assault, Violating Protective Order In Region
Man Charged With Sexual Assault, Violating Protective Order In Region A Connecticut man has been charged with alleged sexual assault after violating an order of protection. New Haven County resident Michael Finney, age 50, of Waterbury, was arrested in Litchfield County by Thomaston Police on Tuesday, April 16. According to Det. Jason St. Onge of the Thomaston Police, on Friday, March 29, the department initiated an investigation after receiving a complaint for a restraining order violation and sexual assault that occurred in the victim's Thomaston home. Finney was charged with; Sexual assault Burglary Violation of a restraining or…
Woman ID'd As Victim In Fatal 2-Vehicle Crash In Region Woman ID'd As Victim In Fatal 2-Vehicle Crash In Region
Woman ID'd As Victim In Fatal 2-Vehicle Crash In Region One person was killed and three others were hospitalized in a two-car Connecticut crash. It happened around 9 a.m. Saturday, April 20 in Windham County on Route 6 (Willimantic Road) in the town of Chaplin, Connecticut State Police said. A 2020 Nissan Murano, operated by a 77-year-old Tolland County man from the town on Mansfield, was traveling eastbound on Route 6 with a passenger in the front seat.  A 2008 Nissan Maxima, driven by a 35-year-old man from the town of Windham, was traveling westbound on Route 6, also with a passenger in the front seat.  The Mur…
Man Killed In Western Mass Convenience Store Armed Robbery ID'd: Police Man Killed In Western Mass Convenience Store Armed Robbery ID'd: Police
Man Killed In Western Mass Convenience Store Armed Robbery ID'd: Police A man who attempted to rob a Hampden County convenience store and later died of his wounds has been identified as a 53-year-old South Hadley man, authorities said.  Robert Papalardo died Thursday night, April 18, after paramedics rushed him to Baystate Medical Center following the shooting in Chicopee just before 6:30 p.m., the Hampden County District Attorney's Office said.  An initial investigation found that Papalardo tried to rob the Zain’s Smoke Shop & Convenience on Montgomery Street when shots were fired, police said. Authorities said Papalardo was armed. …
Victim Dies From Wounds In Western Mass Convenience Store Shooting Victim Dies From Wounds In Western Mass Convenience Store Shooting
Victim Dies From Wounds In Western Mass Convenience Store Shooting A person who was shot on Thursday, April 18, at a Hampden County convenience store has died, authorities said.  The shooting happened in Chicopee around 5:30 p.m. at Zain’s Smoke Shop & Convenience on Montgomery Street. Paramedics rushed the victim to an area hospital, where they died later that night, Chicopee Police said.  Police have released few details about the shooting or the victim.  Investigators say there is no ongoing threat to the community.  Chicopee police are investigating the killing.  Follow the Daily Voice for updates on this developing…
'I Obey': Man Threw Bomb At Satanic Temple In Mass Because God Told Him To, Feds Say 'I Obey': Man Threw Bomb At Satanic Temple In Mass Because God Told Him To, Feds Say
'I Obey': Man Threw Bomb At Satanic Temple In Mass Because God Told Him To, Feds Say An Oklahoma man has been arrested and charged with throwing a pipe bomb at the Satanic Temple in Salem after the group did not heed his God's warnings to repent, federal authorities said.  Sean Patrick Palmer, 49, of Perkins, Okla., is charged with using an explosive to cause damage to a building used in interstate or foreign commerce, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Surveillance video taken just before 4:15 a.m. shows a person in all-black clothing, a black face mask, a tactical vest, and gloves approach and throw something at the "temple." Moments later, the prosec…
'Gross Recklessness': Driver Admits To Speeding During Fatal Chicopee Crash 'Gross Recklessness': Driver Admits To Speeding During Fatal Chicopee Crash
'Gross Recklessness': Driver Admits To Speeding During Fatal Chicopee Crash A 24-year-old Hampden County man admitted to killing a pedestrian in a crash where he was going more than twice the speed limit and driving in the wrong lane, authorities said.  Nazier Grandison, of Springfield, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and a judge sentenced him to three to four years in prison for the 2022 crash in Chicopee, the Hampden County District Attorney's Office announced Thursday, April 18. Prosecutors recommended a sentence of six to nine years behind bars.  Nickolas Weichel, 34, of Chicopee, had just left the Rumbleseat Bar and Grill on Oct. 8, 2022, and was…
Man Wanted For Fatal Nightclub Shooting Added To State's Most Wanted List: Police Man Wanted For Fatal Nightclub Shooting Added To State's Most Wanted List: Police
Man Wanted For Fatal Nightclub Shooting Added To State's Most Wanted List: Police A man accused of shooting and killing a rival in a Lawrence nightclub parking lot is the latest addition to the state's most wanted criminals. Franklin M. Laras, 27, is wanted on charges of murder and firearm offenses following the Christmas Eve 2023 shooting of Edward Javier-Perez at the Energy Lounge in Lawrence, Massachusetts State Police said.  Related: One Of Massachusetts Most Wanted Captured In Worcester Investigators said Laras and Javier-Perez got into an argument in the Broadway club before Laras approached Javier-Perez and shot him with a pistol. He's been on th…
Mass IRS Agent Busted Filing Fake Tax Returns: Feds Mass IRS Agent Busted Filing Fake Tax Returns: Feds
Mass IRS Agent Busted Filing Fake Tax Returns: Feds The only certainty in life is death and taxes, but that doesn't stop people from trying to cheat them. A Swampscott woman hired to stop tax cheats is now accused of being one herself, police said.  Ndeye Amy Thioub, 67, was indicted on Wednesday, April 17, on three counts of filing false tax returns and three counts of filing false tax returns as an employee of the United States, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Thioub joined the IRS in 2006 and worked as an investigative auditor. Put simply it was her job to root out anyone who didn't give the government its due.&nbs…
Missing Mass Woman's Body Found On Remote New York Trail After Weeks Of Searching Missing Mass Woman's Body Found On Remote New York Trail After Weeks Of Searching
Body Of Fae Morgana Barbone Found On Taconic Crest Trail The weekslong search for a 40-year-old woman who went missing near a remote hiking trail in Massachusetts near the border with New York ended earlier this week after hikers found her body on a trail in New York. She had been missing for nearly a month  Fae Morgana Barbone, age 40, was reported missing from Williamstown, Massachusetts, on Thursday, March 7.  She was last seen in Maine, where she had an “interaction” with a police officer, according to Williamstown Police. Sightings of the woman have also been reported in North Adams and the Carolinas. Police said the grizzly …
No Bail For Man Accused Of Fatally Stabbing Western Mass Girlfriend: DA No Bail For Man Accused Of Fatally Stabbing Western Mass Girlfriend: DA
No Bail For Man Accused Of Fatally Stabbing Western Mass Girlfriend: DA A Springfield man charged with stabbing his girlfriend to death before cutting himself, authorities said.  Jason Chapdelaine is charged with murder and was ordered held without bail for allegedly killing a mother of two on Sunday, April 14, Hampden County authorities said.  A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf during his arraignment.  Eileen Monaghan, 48, of Chicopee, was found dead around 1:30 a.m. She had been stabbed, police said.  Hampden County Sheriff's Office Chapdelaine was found nearby at the 200 block home on South Water Street home, bleeding from wh…
Seen Her? Alert Issued For Missing Woman From Region Seen Her? Alert Issued For Missing Woman From Region
Seen Her? Alert Issued For Missing Woman From Region Authorities are asking the public for help locating a missing Connecticut woman who has been missing for two weeks. According to Connecticut State Police, Troop L, 44-year-old Litchfield County resident Elizabeth Gyurko of the town of Litchfield, was last seen in Fairfield County in the Danbury area on Sunday, April 7. Police said Gyurko was wearing black jeans and a hooded sweatshirt. She is described as 5 feet, 89 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.  If you have any information on her whereabouts, contact Connecticut State Police at 860-626-7900 and reference case number 2400148…
I-84 Crash: Massachusetts Woman Accused Of Driving Drunk With Child I-84 Crash: Massachusetts Woman Accused Of Driving Drunk With Child
I-84 Crash: Massachusetts Woman Accused Of Driving Drunk With Child A woman from Massachusetts has been arrested after she allegedly drove drunk and crashed on a Connecticut interstate with her 1-year-old child in the car. The Hartford County crash happened on Saturday, April 13 in the town of Southington, according to Connecticut State Police. Just before 7:30 p.m. that day, 36-year-old Elizabeth Silva was reportedly driving drunk, heading west on I-84 near exit 28 when police said she rear-ended another vehicle, which then spun and crashed into a third car. The three people in the first car Silva hit — a 20-year-old woman, a 64-year-old man, and a 58-…
Western Mass Mom Of 2 Allegedly Killed By Boyfriend ID'd As Sheriff's Assistant: DA Western Mass Mom Of 2 Allegedly Killed By Boyfriend ID'd As Sheriff's Assistant: DA
Western Mass Mom Of 2 Allegedly Killed By Boyfriend ID'd As Sheriff's Assistant: DA A 48-year-old Hampden County woman who was found stabbed to death in Holyoke next to her boyfriend was the executive assistant to Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, authorities said.  Eileen Monaghan, of Chicopee, and a mother to two daughters, was found on Sunday, April 14, around 1:30 a.m. in a home on South Water Street after police were called for suspicious activity, officials said.  Police found Eileen on the ground next to her boyfriend, Jason Chapdelaine, who was suffering from stab wounds, police said. Investigators later ruled those cuts were self-inflicted.  …
Man From Region Accused Of Sending Explicit Photos To 13-Year-Old Man From Region Accused Of Sending Explicit Photos To 13-Year-Old
Man From Region Accused Of Sending Explicit Photos To 13-Year-Old A Connecticut man has been accused of sending explicit images to a girl in the Midwest. Detectives at the Jackson Police Department in Missouri determined Litchfield County resident Carter Denlinger, of Bridgewater, sent Snapchats to the 13-year-old in their jurisdiction. Connecticut State Police detectives then joined the investigation, and an arrest warrant was issued in Missouri. Denlinger, age 25, was located in Bridgewater on Friday, April 12, and taken into custody as an extradition arrest, state police said. He is being held on a $1 million dollar bond and is due to …
Fatal Crash: 32-Year-Old From Region As Victim On I-84 Stretch Fatal Crash: 32-Year-Old From Region As Victim On I-84 Stretch
Fatal Crash: 32-Year-Old From Region As Victim On I-84 Stretch A 32-year-old has been identified as the victim of an overnight crash on a stretch of I-84 in Connecticut. The crash happened around 8:15 p.m. Saturday, April 13, on the westbound side in Hartford. A 2012 Honda Pilot EXL was driving near the entrance ramp to I-91 when officials say it hit a pedestrian before stopping in the left lane. The pedestrian, identified as Litchfield County resident Raphael Rodriguez, of Torrington, suffered severe life-threatening injuries and was transported to Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford, where he was pronounced dead, according to …
Mass Mom Charged In Death Of 3-Year-Old Child Mass Mom Charged In Death Of 3-Year-Old Child
Mass Mom Charged In Death Of 3-Year-Old Child A 25-year-old woman has been arrested after her 3-year-old son was found dead in Chelsea over the weekend, authorities said. New, updated report - Jennifer Prudencio Of Chelsea Went To Bar, Let Child Die: DA Jennifer Prudencio, of Chelsea, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment of a child, the Suffolk County District Attorney said on Tuesday, April 9.  Police were called to Prudencio's Spencer Avenue apartment on Sunday morning, where they found her son Yael Guardado-Prudencio, 3, unresponsive.  Officers did not say how the child died.&…
Alleged Massachusetts Fugitive Discovered In Connecticut After Unrelated 911 Call: Police Alleged Massachusetts Fugitive Discovered In Connecticut After Unrelated 911 Call: Police
Alleged Massachusetts Fugitive Discovered In Connecticut After Unrelated 911 Call: Police A man accused of domestic violence and strangulation in Massachusetts was caught in Connecticut when the cops were called on him for a different reason. The Tolland County incident occurred in the town of Stafford on Friday, April 5, according to Connecticut State Police. On that day, a School Street resident called the authorities on 30-year-old Marcus Lopez to report that he was unwelcome at the home. While police were investigating Lopez, who hails from Stafford, they discovered he had a felony arrest warrant in his name in connection to an alleged domestic assault and strangulation…