- Arthur & Marillla Pelletier 1932
Arthur & Marilla Pelletier 1932
On July 1, 1932, at 813AM Lucien Moreau (1919-1993) discovered the bodies of his sister, Marilla M. (23) and her husband Arthur Pelletier (24) shot to death in their home on Gadoury Street. Their child, Arthur Pelletier Jr. (3) was unharmed.
Murder of Marilla & Arthur Pelletier
Money was tight so the took in a boarder, Arthur Manchester (1907-1988), to help make ends meet. A dispute arose between the Pelletiers' and Arthur Manchester. The dispute ended with a double-murder at 1:30AM
Arthur Manchester fled into the woods for several hours. Arthur then exited to woods and began walking on Route 6 where he noticed Westport Police Chief Norman B. Hopkinson (1884-1973) driving towards him, flagged him down, and confessed to killing the couple.
Arthur Manchester Confession
Arthur Manchester claimed he arrived at the Pelletiers' home with intent to settle a disagreement. He approached the front door, and was met by Arthur Pelletier, who denied him entry. Arthur then drew a firearm and shot him two (2) times.
Arthur then smashed a window and climbed through it; entering the living room where he shot Marilla four (4) times. After the shooting he fled the scene into the woods. The .38 caliber revolver used in the crime was later recovered at the home of his cousin, Clarence L. Manchester (1908-1980).
Verdict Arthur Manchester 1933
Arthur was found guilty of two (2) counts of murder and sentenced to be executed on September 10, 1933. His sentence was commuted to life in prison. It's unknown how long he served in prison or when he was released. Arthur Manchester (1907-1988) was laid to rest in Beech Grove Cemetery with his wife Elmira Jones Manchester (1905-1991).
Interesting Note:
Arthur Manchester's great grandfather, Gideon Manchester (35), was the first Fall River Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty. His uncle Jeremiah Manchester Jr. was convicted murderer.
On July 1, 1932, at 813AM Lucien Moreau (1919-1993) discovered the bodies of his sister, Marilla M. (23) and her husband Arthur Pelletier (24) shot to death in their home on Gadoury Street. Their child, Arthur Pelletier Jr. (3) was unharmed.
Murder of Marilla & Arthur Pelletier
Money was tight so the took in a boarder, Arthur Manchester (1907-1988), to help make ends meet. A dispute arose between the Pelletiers' and Arthur Manchester. The dispute ended with a double-murder at 1:30AM
Arthur Manchester fled into the woods for several hours. Arthur then exited to woods and began walking on Route 6 where he noticed Westport Police Chief Norman B. Hopkinson (1884-1973) driving towards him, flagged him down, and confessed to killing the couple.
Arthur Manchester Confession
Arthur Manchester claimed he arrived at the Pelletiers' home with intent to settle a disagreement. He approached the front door, and was met by Arthur Pelletier, who denied him entry. Arthur then drew a firearm and shot him two (2) times.
Arthur then smashed a window and climbed through it; entering the living room where he shot Marilla four (4) times. After the shooting he fled the scene into the woods. The .38 caliber revolver used in the crime was later recovered at the home of his cousin, Clarence L. Manchester (1908-1980).
Verdict Arthur Manchester 1933
Arthur was found guilty of two (2) counts of murder and sentenced to be executed on September 10, 1933. His sentence was commuted to life in prison. It's unknown how long he served in prison or when he was released. Arthur Manchester (1907-1988) was laid to rest in Beech Grove Cemetery with his wife Elmira Jones Manchester (1905-1991).
Interesting Note:
Arthur Manchester's great grandfather, Gideon Manchester (35), was the first Fall River Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty. His uncle Jeremiah Manchester Jr. was convicted murderer.
- Herbert Straker Jr. 1961
Herbert J. Straker Jr. 1961
Baker's Beach, named after a convicted murderer
On June 10, 1961, Herbert J. Straker (55) was shot and killed by John H. Baker (51) on Baker's Beech, a private beach club owned by John Baker. Baker's Beach club is located next to Horseneck Beach.
John Baker was arrested and charged with 1st-degree murder with deliberately premeditated malice and malice aforethought. John claimed he acted in self-defense.
Investigation Summary
On May 23, 1961, Sydda M. Straker (1912-1985), Herbert's wife, was entitled to specific club privileges for her family and guests after purchasing the $35 club card. Sydda received a card marked "1961 Open House Parking Only" and a copy of the club rules and regulations.
The rules and regulations required this card to be presented at the gate to allow access, and specifically no pets were allowed.
On June 10, 1961, At 4:30 P.M. Herbert Straker, along with his wife and their two (2) dogs arrived at the beach entrance. Their
vehicle was stopped at the gate by John Duffy, a Westport Special Police Officer. Officer Duffy explained they were denied access due to having dogs in the vehicle, and dogs weren't allowed according to the rules and regulations.
Herbert then drove to a neighboring inn, where he consumed alcoholic beverages. After having several alcoholic beverages, Herbert and another man, who was a member of the beach club, began driving back to the beach club with the dogs in the vehicle. They entered the gate at a high rate of speed, causing Officer Duffy to move from his position. After ten minutes, they left the beach club and return to the inn for more alcoholic beverages.
While at the inn, Herbert was chatting with three (3) men, Mr. Harney, Mr. Lees, and Mr. Reed. During the chat they decided to return back to the beach club with the dogs in the vehicle.
At 5:22 P.M. John Baker arrived at the entrance to the beach club and Officer Duffy began explaining to him about Herbert's repeated visits. As they were talking Herbert along with his three (3) passengers arrived at the club and entered at an even faster rate than before and didn't stop or slow down. There were several different versions of this event, what exactly happened remains unclear.
John Baker gets into his vehicle and drives to the parking lot. The three (3) men had exited Herbert's vehicle and were walking towards the beach. John stops by the pump house and take possession of his .32 caliber revolver and continues to the beach to confront the three (3) men. At one point, John fires a shot into the sand to gain the men's attention. The men heard the shot and started walking back to John. A physical assault took place between John and Herbert, resulting in John being knocked to the ground. At this point John fires his revolver again, the bullet mortally striking Herbert. There were several different versions of this event from the other men, what exactly happened remains unclear.
Verdict 1961 John Baker
John Baker was found guilty of 1st-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Verdict 1963 Appeal Pardoned 1970
John appealed his murder conviction. The charge was reduced to manslaughter, and a 2 1/2-year jail sentence was imposed. John was paroled after serving 14 months in prison. After receiving the pardon, sold all the property and moved to Arizona. John is now deceased.
Baker's Beach, named after a convicted murderer
On June 10, 1961, Herbert J. Straker (55) was shot and killed by John H. Baker (51) on Baker's Beech, a private beach club owned by John Baker. Baker's Beach club is located next to Horseneck Beach.
John Baker was arrested and charged with 1st-degree murder with deliberately premeditated malice and malice aforethought. John claimed he acted in self-defense.
Investigation Summary
On May 23, 1961, Sydda M. Straker (1912-1985), Herbert's wife, was entitled to specific club privileges for her family and guests after purchasing the $35 club card. Sydda received a card marked "1961 Open House Parking Only" and a copy of the club rules and regulations.
The rules and regulations required this card to be presented at the gate to allow access, and specifically no pets were allowed.
On June 10, 1961, At 4:30 P.M. Herbert Straker, along with his wife and their two (2) dogs arrived at the beach entrance. Their
vehicle was stopped at the gate by John Duffy, a Westport Special Police Officer. Officer Duffy explained they were denied access due to having dogs in the vehicle, and dogs weren't allowed according to the rules and regulations.
Herbert then drove to a neighboring inn, where he consumed alcoholic beverages. After having several alcoholic beverages, Herbert and another man, who was a member of the beach club, began driving back to the beach club with the dogs in the vehicle. They entered the gate at a high rate of speed, causing Officer Duffy to move from his position. After ten minutes, they left the beach club and return to the inn for more alcoholic beverages.
While at the inn, Herbert was chatting with three (3) men, Mr. Harney, Mr. Lees, and Mr. Reed. During the chat they decided to return back to the beach club with the dogs in the vehicle.
At 5:22 P.M. John Baker arrived at the entrance to the beach club and Officer Duffy began explaining to him about Herbert's repeated visits. As they were talking Herbert along with his three (3) passengers arrived at the club and entered at an even faster rate than before and didn't stop or slow down. There were several different versions of this event, what exactly happened remains unclear.
John Baker gets into his vehicle and drives to the parking lot. The three (3) men had exited Herbert's vehicle and were walking towards the beach. John stops by the pump house and take possession of his .32 caliber revolver and continues to the beach to confront the three (3) men. At one point, John fires a shot into the sand to gain the men's attention. The men heard the shot and started walking back to John. A physical assault took place between John and Herbert, resulting in John being knocked to the ground. At this point John fires his revolver again, the bullet mortally striking Herbert. There were several different versions of this event from the other men, what exactly happened remains unclear.
Verdict 1961 John Baker
John Baker was found guilty of 1st-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Verdict 1963 Appeal Pardoned 1970
John appealed his murder conviction. The charge was reduced to manslaughter, and a 2 1/2-year jail sentence was imposed. John was paroled after serving 14 months in prison. After receiving the pardon, sold all the property and moved to Arizona. John is now deceased.
- Richard Alfredo 1990
Richard Alfredo 1990
On January 21, 1990, Richard Alfredo (61) died unexpectedly, initially it appeared he suffered a sudden heart attack due to his long medical history. Richard's death was ruled "natural causes" and no autopsy was performed.
In February 1990 two (2) woman came forward with information that Richard's death was not "natural" and the possibility he was intentionally poisoned. Richard was exhumed and an autopsy was performed. The results of the autopsy indicated Richard had died from "Acute LSD Intoxication". The cause of death was then changed from "natural causes" to "homicide ".
Two (2) days after being questioned by police regarding Richard's death, Christine Martin (42), Richard's girlfriend, and her children abruptly moved to Canada.
In April 1990, Christine was arrested in Canada and charged with 1st-degree murder.
Trial Summary
Christine's daughter, Teasha Pauline (17), had openly told high school friends that Richard had been allegedly molesting her. She claimed her mother sought revenge by serving Richard strawberry JELL-O laced with LSD.
Several neighborhood teenagers were prepared to testify that Christine and Teasha purchased drugs multiple times with the intention to kill Richard. They purchased eight tablets of what they thought was mescaline, and turned out to be LSD, then ground up the pills into a dust and placed in the JELL-O. The prosecution presented witnesses to medically prove Richard suffered a fatal heart attack after eating the laced JELL-O. Teasha testified that she, and not her mother, had laced the JELL-O. Teasha was never charged.
Verdict 1992
Christine Martin was convicted of 1st-degree murder. In 1997 Christine filed an appeal for the 1st-degree murder verdict. The verdict was overturned.
Plea Bargain 1999
With a plea bargain in place, Christine walked out of Superior Court after pleading guilty of manslaughter. The guilty plea was in exchange for a sentence of 8 1/2 years of time served, and 10 years' probation.
On January 21, 1990, Richard Alfredo (61) died unexpectedly, initially it appeared he suffered a sudden heart attack due to his long medical history. Richard's death was ruled "natural causes" and no autopsy was performed.
In February 1990 two (2) woman came forward with information that Richard's death was not "natural" and the possibility he was intentionally poisoned. Richard was exhumed and an autopsy was performed. The results of the autopsy indicated Richard had died from "Acute LSD Intoxication". The cause of death was then changed from "natural causes" to "homicide ".
Two (2) days after being questioned by police regarding Richard's death, Christine Martin (42), Richard's girlfriend, and her children abruptly moved to Canada.
In April 1990, Christine was arrested in Canada and charged with 1st-degree murder.
Trial Summary
Christine's daughter, Teasha Pauline (17), had openly told high school friends that Richard had been allegedly molesting her. She claimed her mother sought revenge by serving Richard strawberry JELL-O laced with LSD.
Several neighborhood teenagers were prepared to testify that Christine and Teasha purchased drugs multiple times with the intention to kill Richard. They purchased eight tablets of what they thought was mescaline, and turned out to be LSD, then ground up the pills into a dust and placed in the JELL-O. The prosecution presented witnesses to medically prove Richard suffered a fatal heart attack after eating the laced JELL-O. Teasha testified that she, and not her mother, had laced the JELL-O. Teasha was never charged.
Verdict 1992
Christine Martin was convicted of 1st-degree murder. In 1997 Christine filed an appeal for the 1st-degree murder verdict. The verdict was overturned.
Plea Bargain 1999
With a plea bargain in place, Christine walked out of Superior Court after pleading guilty of manslaughter. The guilty plea was in exchange for a sentence of 8 1/2 years of time served, and 10 years' probation.
Beech Grove Cemetery, Westport
- Kerry Mello 2015
Kerry Mello 2015
On August 10, 2015, Kerry Mello (36) from Cranston R.I. was reported missing to the Cranston Police Department by his girlfriend, Gina Kirwin.
On August 19, 2015, a fishing vessel little more than a mile south of the Westport harbor discovered a dismembered torso wrapped in a tarp. Westport Police and Westport Harbormaster recovered the remains.
On August 21, 2015, a pair of severed legs was discovered on Goosewing Beach Little Compton R.I. The torso and legs were identified at Kerry Mello.
On November 5, 2015, Kerry's vehicle was located, burned in Boston.
Investigation
The investigation revealed that Jamie Barriera (35) of Warwick, R.I. was involved in a marijuana growing operation. At some point in the summer of 2015, a significant quantity of marijuana (30 lbs) and $10,000 was stolen. Kerry, an associate of Jamie, was suspected by him to have been the thief.
Jamie lured Kerry to the home of Albert Barriera (61) Warwick R.I. Louis Geremia (64), and Francisco Concepcion were at the Albert's residence preparing to discuss the group’s medical marijuana operation.
Kerry was killed then dismembered using a hand saw. Those present assisted with wrapping the body parts in a tarp and drove to a marina in Warwick where Jamie kept his power boat. Graig Bustillo (39) drove Kerry's car to Boston to cover up the murder. Jamie Barriera, Albert Barriera, and Francisco Concepcion (36) then put the body on the boat, went out to sea, and dumped the body.
Jamie Barriera orchestrated the killing, wrongly suspecting Kerry, investigators later learned Kerry was innocent.
Verdict 2018 Jamie Barriera
Jamie plead no contest to 2nd-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and mutilation of a body. He was sentenced to a total of 70 years with 35 years to serve.
Verdict 2016 Francisco Concepcion
Francisco plead guilty to 2nd-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and mutilation of a dead body.
Verdict 2018 Albert Barriera
Albert plead no contest to conspiracy to commit felony assault and mutilation of a body and was sentenced 10 years to serve.
Verdict 2016 Graig Bustillo
Graig plead guilty to conspiracy to commit murder.
Verdict 2018 Louis Geremia
Louis plead no contest to conspiracy to commit felony assault and was sentenced to a total of 10 years with four years to serve.
On August 10, 2015, Kerry Mello (36) from Cranston R.I. was reported missing to the Cranston Police Department by his girlfriend, Gina Kirwin.
On August 19, 2015, a fishing vessel little more than a mile south of the Westport harbor discovered a dismembered torso wrapped in a tarp. Westport Police and Westport Harbormaster recovered the remains.
On August 21, 2015, a pair of severed legs was discovered on Goosewing Beach Little Compton R.I. The torso and legs were identified at Kerry Mello.
On November 5, 2015, Kerry's vehicle was located, burned in Boston.
Investigation
The investigation revealed that Jamie Barriera (35) of Warwick, R.I. was involved in a marijuana growing operation. At some point in the summer of 2015, a significant quantity of marijuana (30 lbs) and $10,000 was stolen. Kerry, an associate of Jamie, was suspected by him to have been the thief.
Jamie lured Kerry to the home of Albert Barriera (61) Warwick R.I. Louis Geremia (64), and Francisco Concepcion were at the Albert's residence preparing to discuss the group’s medical marijuana operation.
Kerry was killed then dismembered using a hand saw. Those present assisted with wrapping the body parts in a tarp and drove to a marina in Warwick where Jamie kept his power boat. Graig Bustillo (39) drove Kerry's car to Boston to cover up the murder. Jamie Barriera, Albert Barriera, and Francisco Concepcion (36) then put the body on the boat, went out to sea, and dumped the body.
Jamie Barriera orchestrated the killing, wrongly suspecting Kerry, investigators later learned Kerry was innocent.
Verdict 2018 Jamie Barriera
Jamie plead no contest to 2nd-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and mutilation of a body. He was sentenced to a total of 70 years with 35 years to serve.
Verdict 2016 Francisco Concepcion
Francisco plead guilty to 2nd-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and mutilation of a dead body.
Verdict 2018 Albert Barriera
Albert plead no contest to conspiracy to commit felony assault and mutilation of a body and was sentenced 10 years to serve.
Verdict 2016 Graig Bustillo
Graig plead guilty to conspiracy to commit murder.
Verdict 2018 Louis Geremia
Louis plead no contest to conspiracy to commit felony assault and was sentenced to a total of 10 years with four years to serve.