A former police detective in Massachusetts is facing serious charges after allegedly strangling a pregnant woman. This woman was found dead back in 2021, and her death was initially ruled a suicide. However, investigators now believe that this apparent suicide was staged by the detective – who knew exactly how to fool his colleagues. The details of this murder are disturbing, and the defendant faces an uphill battle in court. But as any Massachusetts defense attorney will tell you, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Defendant Allegedly Had Relationship With Victim Since She Was 15
Investigators say that the detective maintained a sexual relationship with the victim since she was just 15 years old. He was one of three officers to face these accusations. When the victim reached the age of 23, she allegedly told the detective that she had become pregnant with his child. Prosecutors say that this news caused the officer to kill her, and they say his motive was to conceal the illegal relationship that he had maintained since her childhood.
Perhaps the most important question is simple: How could her death have been ruled a suicide if there is clear evidence that suggests otherwise? This raises worrying questions about law enforcement in Massachusetts. Specifically, there are questions about whether police covered up the crime in order to support one of their own.
In fact, this crime was only exposed because the victim’s family hired an independent pathologist. This pathologist immediately discovered that the suicide allegations made no sense. This triggered a more in-depth investigation, which reportedly uncovered evidence of underage sex with the victim.
Prosecutors apparently have documents that show the victim was excited about giving birth. These documents also show that the defendant pressured the victim into deleting any digital evidence of their relationship before her 16th birthday. After giving her these instructions, he then searched for how to delete data from his own phone.
Victim Allegedly Groomed Through Youth Police Program
Perhaps the most disturbing detail of this case is the involvement of a special youth program operated by the Boy Scouts. The Stoughton Police Explorers Academy is geared toward teaching children about careers in law enforcement. The victim participated in this program at the age of 12 and continued until the age of 16. This brought her into contact with the defendant – implying that he groomed her through a vocational program designed for children. This not only raises questions about the police, but it also casts doubt on everyone involved in these youth programs.
Contact a Massachusetts Defense Attorney to Discuss Potential Defense Strategies
People are accused of heinous crimes all the time, but not all defendants are convicted. Regardless of how shocking these allegations might be, regardless of the evidence, you are always innocent until prosecutors prove your guilt beyond reasonable doubt. If you face violent crime charges in Massachusetts, a criminal defense attorney may be able to help. Contact Edward R. Molari today to learn more about potential defense strategies.