- Golas Family 1950
Golas Family 1950 Murder / Suicide
On April 9, 1950, Walter Golas (30) bludgeoned his wife, Barbara (27) to death and asphyxiated himself along with his three (3) children, Diane (6) Sandra (5) Barry (2).
On April 10, 1950, Fairhaven Police were called to 2 Ocean Court out of concern the family hadn't been seen for several days. Police arrived and discovered the home was filled with natural gas from the stove. Walter was dead near the stove; the children were dead in the bedrooms. The family was laid to rest in Rural Cemetery. Investigators later determined financial troubles and eviction was the cause.
The residence was torn down on September 3, 1953.
On April 9, 1950, Walter Golas (30) bludgeoned his wife, Barbara (27) to death and asphyxiated himself along with his three (3) children, Diane (6) Sandra (5) Barry (2).
On April 10, 1950, Fairhaven Police were called to 2 Ocean Court out of concern the family hadn't been seen for several days. Police arrived and discovered the home was filled with natural gas from the stove. Walter was dead near the stove; the children were dead in the bedrooms. The family was laid to rest in Rural Cemetery. Investigators later determined financial troubles and eviction was the cause.
The residence was torn down on September 3, 1953.
Diane Golas
Sandra Golas
Barbara Golas
Barry Golas
- Mary Duarte 1953
Mary Duarte 1953
On September 13, 1953, John Duarte (1906-1953) (47) was very upset about the up-coming marriage of his eldest daughter, Philomena (19) to Henry Gregorian. John argued with his wife, Mary (Calassa) Duarte (38), about his significant concerns the marriage would cause Philomena to give up her developing music career.
John refused to attend the wedding and while arguing with Mary, shot and killed her in the bedroom.
John took his own life in the kitchen. Their bodies were discovered by their daughter, Gertrude (13).
Philomena (1933-2025) married Henry (1924-2021), moved to Minnesota and raised three (3) daughters. They later divorced.
On September 13, 1953, John Duarte (1906-1953) (47) was very upset about the up-coming marriage of his eldest daughter, Philomena (19) to Henry Gregorian. John argued with his wife, Mary (Calassa) Duarte (38), about his significant concerns the marriage would cause Philomena to give up her developing music career.
John refused to attend the wedding and while arguing with Mary, shot and killed her in the bedroom.
John took his own life in the kitchen. Their bodies were discovered by their daughter, Gertrude (13).
Philomena (1933-2025) married Henry (1924-2021), moved to Minnesota and raised three (3) daughters. They later divorced.
- Kristine Sylvia 1994
- Margaret Holmes 1994
Kristine Kvilhaug Sylvia 1994
On December 17, 1994, at approximately 3PM William Sylvia (48) shot his estranged wife, Kristine (Kvilhaug) Sylvia (38) when she opened the door at a friend's residence in Fairhaven. She was transported to St. Luke's Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
William fled the scene, was later stopped in Rochester, three (3) guns were located in his vehicle.
Verdict 1996 William Sylvia
William plead guilty to 2nd-degree murder with the possibility of parole in 13 years.
On December 17, 1994, at approximately 3PM William Sylvia (48) shot his estranged wife, Kristine (Kvilhaug) Sylvia (38) when she opened the door at a friend's residence in Fairhaven. She was transported to St. Luke's Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
William fled the scene, was later stopped in Rochester, three (3) guns were located in his vehicle.
Verdict 1996 William Sylvia
William plead guilty to 2nd-degree murder with the possibility of parole in 13 years.
Margaret Hoines 1994
On May 7, 1994, Fairhaven Police received a 911 from Kurt DeMello (43) reporting a female had fallen down a set of stairs and was unresponsive. Police arrived and discovered the victim, Margaret Hoines (43) suffering from significant injuries. The investigation into Margaret's injuries determined were inconsistent with a fall. Kurt later admitted that he assaulted Margaret two (2) weeks prior including throwing her down a set of stairs when she became unresponsive. He placed her in bed until finally calling 911 on May 7, 1994. Margaret died on May 20, 1994, as a result of the injuries.
Verdict 1996 Kurt DeMello
Kurt plead guilty to 2nd-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison.
On May 7, 1994, Fairhaven Police received a 911 from Kurt DeMello (43) reporting a female had fallen down a set of stairs and was unresponsive. Police arrived and discovered the victim, Margaret Hoines (43) suffering from significant injuries. The investigation into Margaret's injuries determined were inconsistent with a fall. Kurt later admitted that he assaulted Margaret two (2) weeks prior including throwing her down a set of stairs when she became unresponsive. He placed her in bed until finally calling 911 on May 7, 1994. Margaret died on May 20, 1994, as a result of the injuries.
Verdict 1996 Kurt DeMello
Kurt plead guilty to 2nd-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison.
- Jennifer Pike & Brian Gaboriault Jr. 1996
Jennifer Pike & Brian Gaboriault Jr. 1996
On July 8, 1996, at approximately 10 PM Fairhaven Police were dispatched to 26 Middle Street for a disturbance. Upon arrival officers discovered an 8-week-old baby, later identified as Brian Gaboriault Jr. suffering from a stab wound. The baby's mother, Jennifer Pike (18) was also located deceased from stab wounds.
The suspect, later identified as Brian Gaboriault was apprehended on July 9 inside Riverside Cemetery.
Verdict 1997 Brian Gaboriault
Brian was convicted of two (2) counts of 1st-degree murder and sentenced to two (2) consecutive life sentences.
On July 8, 1996, at approximately 10 PM Fairhaven Police were dispatched to 26 Middle Street for a disturbance. Upon arrival officers discovered an 8-week-old baby, later identified as Brian Gaboriault Jr. suffering from a stab wound. The baby's mother, Jennifer Pike (18) was also located deceased from stab wounds.
The suspect, later identified as Brian Gaboriault was apprehended on July 9 inside Riverside Cemetery.
Verdict 1997 Brian Gaboriault
Brian was convicted of two (2) counts of 1st-degree murder and sentenced to two (2) consecutive life sentences.
- Nancy Schonheinz 1999
Nancy Schonheinz 1999
On November 12, 1999, at 9:16 AM Robert Oliveira (37) the Fairhaven Police to report a death. He stated, "my girlfriend is dead". He was unable to provide any information about the circumstances of the death but stated he had been drinking heavily. Officers arrived at the Long Road residence discovering the victim, Nancy Schonheinz (36) on the bedroom floor covered with a blanket. Officers removed the blanket and determined she had been stabbed.
Verdict 2002 Robert Oliveira
Robert was convicted of 1st-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
On November 12, 1999, at 9:16 AM Robert Oliveira (37) the Fairhaven Police to report a death. He stated, "my girlfriend is dead". He was unable to provide any information about the circumstances of the death but stated he had been drinking heavily. Officers arrived at the Long Road residence discovering the victim, Nancy Schonheinz (36) on the bedroom floor covered with a blanket. Officers removed the blanket and determined she had been stabbed.
Verdict 2002 Robert Oliveira
Robert was convicted of 1st-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
- Thomas Reynolds 2006
- Dwayne Lassiter 2006
Thomas J. Reynolds 2006
On May 29, 2006, Thomas Reynolds (18), John Blomgren (19) and Matthew Martins (20) were involved in a burglary at a summer home on Point Street in Fairhaven.
Matthew was had knowledge of the house because an ex-girlfriend's family owned it. The trio fled the home with a computer, a DVD player and a chisel. After some thought among the trio, it was decided to return the stolen property. Investigators later found the items "stacked neatly" on the home's back porch.
After returning the items to the residence, the three men began arguing, John was criticizing Thomas's driving resulting in orange juice being spilled on himself, in which he became enraged.
Thomas then stopped at a Route 6 and a fist fight ensued. At this point John stabbed Reynolds in the stomach and chest after slashing tires of the vehicle. Thomas had been stabbed seven (7) times. After the stabbing John fled the scene, tossing the knife in the Shaw's parking lot. Thomas was able to get back into the vehicle but slumped over the wheel. Fairhaven Police were called to the scene, and Thomas was transported to St. Luke's Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Verdict 2010 John Blomgren Prison Sentence Completed - Released Deceased 2023
John was sentenced to 15-17 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after 15 years.
On August 8, 2023, John G. Blomgren (36) was struck by a motor vehicle at Knuckheads Bar on McArthur Drive died from those injuries. No charges were filed against the driver.
On May 29, 2006, Thomas Reynolds (18), John Blomgren (19) and Matthew Martins (20) were involved in a burglary at a summer home on Point Street in Fairhaven.
Matthew was had knowledge of the house because an ex-girlfriend's family owned it. The trio fled the home with a computer, a DVD player and a chisel. After some thought among the trio, it was decided to return the stolen property. Investigators later found the items "stacked neatly" on the home's back porch.
After returning the items to the residence, the three men began arguing, John was criticizing Thomas's driving resulting in orange juice being spilled on himself, in which he became enraged.
Thomas then stopped at a Route 6 and a fist fight ensued. At this point John stabbed Reynolds in the stomach and chest after slashing tires of the vehicle. Thomas had been stabbed seven (7) times. After the stabbing John fled the scene, tossing the knife in the Shaw's parking lot. Thomas was able to get back into the vehicle but slumped over the wheel. Fairhaven Police were called to the scene, and Thomas was transported to St. Luke's Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Verdict 2010 John Blomgren Prison Sentence Completed - Released Deceased 2023
John was sentenced to 15-17 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after 15 years.
On August 8, 2023, John G. Blomgren (36) was struck by a motor vehicle at Knuckheads Bar on McArthur Drive died from those injuries. No charges were filed against the driver.
Dwayne K. Lassiter 2006
On November 12, 2006, approximately 7:30 PM Fairhaven Police were call to 96 Washington Street initially for a fight in progress. When the police arrived, they discovered Dwayne Lassiter (40) lying on the front steps of the residence bleeding from multiple chest wounds. After being treated by an off-duty paramedic, who also witnessed the fight, Dwayne was transported to St. Luke's Hospital. Due to his extensive injuries, Dwayne was transferred to Rhode Island Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the next day.
The investigation determined an argument between David Ford (41) and Dwayne had occurred over a parking space.
Verdict 2011 David Ford Prison Sentence Completed - Released
David plead guilty to a reduced charge of Manslaughter and sentenced to ten (10) years in prison.
On November 12, 2006, approximately 7:30 PM Fairhaven Police were call to 96 Washington Street initially for a fight in progress. When the police arrived, they discovered Dwayne Lassiter (40) lying on the front steps of the residence bleeding from multiple chest wounds. After being treated by an off-duty paramedic, who also witnessed the fight, Dwayne was transported to St. Luke's Hospital. Due to his extensive injuries, Dwayne was transferred to Rhode Island Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the next day.
The investigation determined an argument between David Ford (41) and Dwayne had occurred over a parking space.
Verdict 2011 David Ford Prison Sentence Completed - Released
David plead guilty to a reduced charge of Manslaughter and sentenced to ten (10) years in prison.
- Joshua Fitzgerald 2008
Joshua Fitzgerald 2008
On April 4, 2008, Joshua Fitzgerald (30), and his brother Patrick Fitzgerald along with their friend Bob Williams drove to the VFW Hall in Fairhaven for an event. They planned to meet their brothers, Joseph and Ethan Fitzgerald, and other friends. At the VFW hall Joshua got into an argument with someone else attending the event. An extended melee involving forty to fifty people erupted. The fighting spilled out into the street and eventually into the parking lot of a liquor store across from the VFW hall. As they attempted to leave in a vehicle, a male opened the vehicle door and stated stated that “Everybody's getting poked” and began stabbing Joshua in the abdomen and Patrick was stabbed in the wrist. An unknown individual pulled Joshua out of the vehicle, and he fled.
Joshua was located a few blocks away, and he entered the vehicle again. As the group headed to St. Luke's Hospital, Joshua had lost consciousness by the time they arrived at the hospital; He did not regain consciousness. The medical examiner determined his cause of death to be the blood loss caused by the stab wound to his abdomen.
Verdict 2010 Thomas Opozda Prison Sentence Completed - Released
Thomas was convicted of manslaughter and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Thomas served 6½ years in prison.
Verdict 2014 Brandon Callender
Brandon was found guilty of 2nd-degree murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He will be eligible for parole in 2028.
On April 4, 2008, Joshua Fitzgerald (30), and his brother Patrick Fitzgerald along with their friend Bob Williams drove to the VFW Hall in Fairhaven for an event. They planned to meet their brothers, Joseph and Ethan Fitzgerald, and other friends. At the VFW hall Joshua got into an argument with someone else attending the event. An extended melee involving forty to fifty people erupted. The fighting spilled out into the street and eventually into the parking lot of a liquor store across from the VFW hall. As they attempted to leave in a vehicle, a male opened the vehicle door and stated stated that “Everybody's getting poked” and began stabbing Joshua in the abdomen and Patrick was stabbed in the wrist. An unknown individual pulled Joshua out of the vehicle, and he fled.
Joshua was located a few blocks away, and he entered the vehicle again. As the group headed to St. Luke's Hospital, Joshua had lost consciousness by the time they arrived at the hospital; He did not regain consciousness. The medical examiner determined his cause of death to be the blood loss caused by the stab wound to his abdomen.
Verdict 2010 Thomas Opozda Prison Sentence Completed - Released
Thomas was convicted of manslaughter and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Thomas served 6½ years in prison.
Verdict 2014 Brandon Callender
Brandon was found guilty of 2nd-degree murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He will be eligible for parole in 2028.
- Joyce Howland 2013
Joyce Howland 2013
On October 11, 2013, Joyce Howland (69) was murdered in her home at 12 Hamlet Street. A friend who hadn't heard from her discovered her body on October 14, 2013
Two contractors, Joshua Silva (36) and Paulo Dias came to the immediate attention of investigators. The men had worked on Joyce's home, installing insulation in her attic on October 11, 2013. The men had been hired by a contractor Joyce regularly used for home projects.
After completing the work for the day, Joshua claimed he left tools behind and needed to return to Joyce's to retrieve them.
Joshua returned, Joyce allowed entry and he attacked her. He then continued with his robbery plan and ransacked the house. He located jewelry, and later pawned it in New Bedford for $380, admitting to investigators he used it to support his drug addiction.
Paulo Dias, who was cleared from any involvement in the homicide, and testified against Joshua. DNA evidence was introduced, which confirmed Joyce's blood and Joshua's blood were on a pair of pants worn by Joshua.
Verdict 2015 Joshua Silva
Joshua was convicted of 1st-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with possibility of parole.
On October 11, 2013, Joyce Howland (69) was murdered in her home at 12 Hamlet Street. A friend who hadn't heard from her discovered her body on October 14, 2013
Two contractors, Joshua Silva (36) and Paulo Dias came to the immediate attention of investigators. The men had worked on Joyce's home, installing insulation in her attic on October 11, 2013. The men had been hired by a contractor Joyce regularly used for home projects.
After completing the work for the day, Joshua claimed he left tools behind and needed to return to Joyce's to retrieve them.
Joshua returned, Joyce allowed entry and he attacked her. He then continued with his robbery plan and ransacked the house. He located jewelry, and later pawned it in New Bedford for $380, admitting to investigators he used it to support his drug addiction.
Paulo Dias, who was cleared from any involvement in the homicide, and testified against Joshua. DNA evidence was introduced, which confirmed Joyce's blood and Joshua's blood were on a pair of pants worn by Joshua.
Verdict 2015 Joshua Silva
Joshua was convicted of 1st-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with possibility of parole.