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Chicopee, MA

'A Rose In A World Of Thorns': Loved Ones Remember Stabbing Victim From Region As Kind, Caring 'A Rose In A World Of Thorns': Loved Ones Remember Stabbing Victim From Region As Kind, Caring
'A Rose In A World Of Thorns': Loved Ones Remember Stabbing Victim From Region As Kind, Caring Eileen Monaghan was a woman who loved deeply, her family and friends in Western Massachusetts said.  Unfortunately, it was someone she cared for who is accused of killing the mother of two.  The 48-year-old from Chicopee was found stabbed to death on Sunday, April 14, around 1:30 a.m. in a home on South Water Street in Holyoke after police were called for suspicious activity, officials said.  Police charged her Chicopee firefighter boyfriend Jason Chapdelaine with her murder.  Original Report: Sheriff's Assistant ID'd As Victim Of Domestic Violence Killing …
Victim Dies From Wounds In Convenience Store Shooting In Region Victim Dies From Wounds In Convenience Store Shooting In Region
Victim Dies From Wounds In Convenience Store Shooting In Region 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…
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.  …
Massachusetts Man Who Stole Car With Baby Inside Nabbed In Northern Connecticut Massachusetts Man Who Stole Car With Baby Inside Nabbed In Northern Connecticut
Massachusetts Man Who Stole Car With Baby Inside Nabbed In Northern Connecticut Police have identified the man who sparked a statewide Amber Alert when he stole a vehicle in Western Massachusetts, on Friday morning, March 29, that had a 3-year-old baby inside.  Vadim Vorobyov, age 52, of Springfield, is charged with kidnapping, child endangerment, and fugitive from justice in Connecticut and is also expected to be charged with kidnapping, child endangerment, and motor vehicle larceny in Massachusetts, State Police said.  Vorobyov stole the running car when he came across it outside of a home on Exchange Street in Chicopee around 8:40 a.m., police said. T…
CT Woman Helps Cover Up Killing Of Father Of 3, Sells His Belongings: Here's Her Sentence CT Woman Helps Cover Up Killing Of Father Of 3, Sells His Belongings: Here's Her Sentence
CT Woman Helps Cover Up Killing Of Father Of 3, Sells His Belongings: Here's Her Sentence A Connecticut woman will spend time in prison after helping to cover up the kidnapping and murder of a Massachusetts man on Christmas Eve, officials announced.  Hartford County resident Shamari Smith, age 34, of Manchester, also known as "Dakota," was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 13 to 25 months in prison for helping to cover up the murder of 28-year-old Francisco Roman, Jr. in December 2020, the US Attorney's Office for District of Connecticut announced.  Earlier Report: Murder Conviction: Manchester Woman Admits To Role In 2020 Killing Of Father Of 3 According …
Man, Dog Rescued From Balcony In Apartment Fire In Region Man, Dog Rescued From Balcony In Apartment Fire In Region
Man, Dog Rescued From Balcony In Apartment Fire In Region Firefighters in Hampden County plucked a man and his dog from their balcony after a fire broke out in a Chicopee apartment on a rainy Sunday morning, July 2, officials said.  Fire crews were called to Chicopee Housing Authority apartments on Britton Street around 4:45 a.m., Chicopee fire authorities said.  Firefighters found a man and his dog trapped on a third-story balcony of the building and used a 35-foot ladder to rescue them from the flames.  No other injuries were reported, but  the fire displaced 10 people.  Firefighters are investigating what sparked the …
Prostitution Sting: 5 From Region Busted Trying To Pay Cop For Sex Prostitution Sting: 5 From Region Busted Trying To Pay Cop For Sex
Prostitution Sting: 5 From Region Busted Trying To Pay Cop For Sex Police continued their assault on prostitution this week as they arrested five more Western Massachusetts men in an undercover "anti-John" operation, authorities said.  This is the second time in as many weeks Springfield Police Department officers have targeted men who try to pay for sex, as they busted 11 on Thursday, June 15.  The operation on Thursday, June 22, targeted the High Street area and the South End neighborhood after several residents had complained of drugs and prostitution, Springfield police said.  RELATED: 11 Men Busted In Undercover Prostitution Stin…
Murder Conviction: CT Woman Admits To Role In 2020 Killing Of Father Of 3 Murder Conviction: CT Woman Admits To Role In 2020 Killing Of Father Of 3
Murder Conviction: CT Woman Admits To Role In 2020 Killing Of Father Of 3 A Connecticut woman pleaded guilty Tuesday, June 6, to helping cover up the kidnap and murder of a Massachusetts man on Christmas Eve 2020, federal authorities said.  Hartford County resident Shamari Smith, 34, of Manchester, faces up to three years after admitting to misprision of felony in the kidnap and killing of Francisco "Paco" Roman, the US Attorney for Connecticut said.  Authorities accused Smith of helping sell Roman's things after his killing despite knowing what had happened to the 28-year-old father of three.  Investigators said Calvin Roberson and Brandon B…
Community Rallies Around CT Family After Newborn Son's Cancer Diagnosis Community Rallies Around CT Family After Newborn Son's Cancer Diagnosis
Community Rallies Around CT Family After Newborn Son's Cancer Diagnosis Days after Brendan and Karen Filburn gave birth to their second son Brody, they received the news no parents ever deserve: their seemingly happy newborn has an aggressive form of cancer. Sixteen days after Brody was born, he began his first round of chemotherapy.  But the Filburns aren't facing this alone. Friends and family of the Hartford County couple, who live in the town of Simsbury, have created a GoFundMe to help provide for them while they give Brody their full attention.  Related: GoFundMe For The Filburns So far, the campaign has raised more than $5,200 of its $7,000 go…
CT Man Admits To 3 Mass Slayings While Awaiting Federal Murder Trial: DA CT Man Admits To 3 Mass Slayings While Awaiting Federal Murder Trial: DA
CT Man Admits To 3 Mass Slayings While Awaiting Federal Murder Trial: DA A Waterbury, Connecticut, man awaiting a federal trial on kidnapping and murder charges admitted to killing three people in Springfield beginning in 2006, authorities said.  Calvin Robertson, 41, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, April 18, to three counts of manslaughter, the Hampden County District Attorney announced. Prosecutors chose to charge him with manslaughter to not interfere with his upcoming federal trial, where he faces a minimum of life in prison or a potential death sentence if convicted, DA Anthony Gulluni said in a news release.  Robertson admitted to the following s…
Officer In ICU: Donation Fund Created For Cop Who Suffered 'Serious Medical Event' In Region Officer In ICU: Donation Fund Created For Cop Who Suffered 'Serious Medical Event' In Region
Officer In ICU: Donation Fund Created For Cop Who Suffered 'Serious Medical Event' In Region Officials in Western Massachusetts have created a donation fund for a police officer who was hospitalized on Sunday, March 13, after he collapsed following an annual charity hockey game in Hampden County.  Chicopee Police Officer Mark Wilkes played in the Battle of the Badges against the Chicopee Fire Department, but he didn't get much time to celebrate his department's victory. A few hours after the game, Wilkes suffered a "serious medical event" and needed CPR to save his life from the same firefighters he'd competed against earlier that day. He was still in intensive care days later, off…
Drunk Driver Causes Fatal Crash In East Hartford, Claims Someone Else Drove, Police Say Drunk Driver Causes Fatal Crash In East Hartford, Claims Someone Else Drove, Police Say
Drunk Driver Causes Fatal Crash In East Hartford, Claims Someone Else Drove, Police Say An East Hartford man faces manslaughter charges after allegedly causing a fatal accident that left a Massachusetts woman dead and then telling authorities that he was not the driver, police said. East Hartford resident Ricardo Figueroa, age 24, was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 16 for his role in a fatal Hartford County crash on Route 2 in East Hartford on March 13, 2022, that left one woman dead, according to state police.  On the day of the crash, which happened adjacent to the Route 2 westbound entrance ramp, a Toyota Corolla with three people inside had collided with a Hyund…
Man Pleads Not Guilty To Killing 18-Year-Old Whose Body Was Found In Connecticut River Man Pleads Not Guilty To Killing 18-Year-Old Whose Body Was Found In Connecticut River
Man Pleads Not Guilty To Killing 18-Year-Old Whose Body Was Found In Connecticut River A 21-year-old man accused of killing an 18-year-old man and dumping his body in the Connecticut River pleaded not guilty to charges in connection with his killing, reports said. Elijah Melendez, of Holyoke, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in connection with the murder of Elis Vizcarrondo, also of Holyoke, on Monday, Dec. 19, MassLive reports.  Melendez was indicted on several charges including murder, carrying a firearm without a license and possessing a firearm without an FID card, the outlet continued.  Vizcarrondo was found in the Connecticut River in Chicopee after appearing…
Bicyclist Killed After Hit By Car In Western Massachusetts City: Police Bicyclist Killed After Hit By Car In Western Massachusetts City: Police
Bicyclist Killed After Hit By Car In Western Massachusetts City: Police A bicyclist has died after they were hit by a car in Chicopee this week, authorities said.  Police responded to the crash on Meadow Street just before 9 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, Chicopee Police said on Facebook.  Upon arrival, officers found the male bicyclist with serious injuries laying on the ground. The man was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died, police said.  The incident shut down Meadow Street as a result. The driver involved in the crash stayed at the scene and is cooperating with investigators, police said. The crash is under investigation. 
Search Intensifies For Suspect In Murder Of 1-Year-Old In Naugatuck Search Intensifies For Suspect In Murder Of 1-Year-Old In Naugatuck
Search Intensifies For Suspect In Murder Of 1-Year-Old In Naugatuck Updated story: Caught! Connecticut Father Wanted For Stabbing, Dismembering Toddler Apprehended, Police Say Federal, state, and local law enforcement have stepped up their search and increased the reward for a Connecticut man wanted for allegedly stabbing and dismembering his 11-month-old daughter. Police say Christopher Francisquini, age 31, of Naugatuck, killed Camilla Francisquini on Friday, Nov. 18 in Naugatuck. The search now includes massive electronic billboards along highways and an increased reward of $25,000 by the FBI. “Christopher, if you are listening, the search will not st…
'Route 91 Bandit,' Responsible For 14 Bank Robberies In 4 States, ID'd As Chicopee Man: Feds 'Route 91 Bandit,' Responsible For 14 Bank Robberies In 4 States, ID'd As Chicopee Man: Feds
'Route 91 Bandit,' Responsible For 14 Bank Robberies In 4 States, ID'd As Chicopee Man: Feds The saga of the "Route 91 Bandit," an armed robber that FBI agents said robbed 14 banks stretching from Western Massachusetts to Vermont starting in September 2021, has played out like a Hollywood screenplay, and now investigators say they have identified their leading man.  Taylor Dziczek, 30, of Chicopee, was arrested Thursday, Dec. 1, in connection with the more than year-long robbery spree that stretched across four states, the FBI said in a news release. A judge ordered him held without bail in Hartford, Conn.  The story of Dziczek's capture began in May.  Investig…
Arrest Made In 1966 Homicide Of 10-Year-Old Betty Lou Zukowski In Region Arrest Made In 1966 Homicide Of 10-Year-Old Betty Lou Zukowski In Region
Arrest Made In 1966 Homicide Of 10-Year-Old Betty Lou Zukowski In Region Authorities in Western Massachusetts have announced an arrest in connection with a 1966 homicide of a 10-year-old girl.  Donald Mars, age 73, of Bedford, was charged in connection with the death of Betty Lou Zukowski on Wednesday, Nov. 3, the Hampden County District Attorney's Office reports.  Betty Lou left her Chicopee home around 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 26, 1966 after getting a call from one of her friends. Later that night, Betty Lou's parents Stanley and Mildred Zukowski reported her missing after she did not come home.  Betty Lou's body was found beaten and covered in mud in the Wes…
Man Wins $500,000 CT Lottery Prize Man Wins $500,000 CT Lottery Prize
Man Wins $500,000 CT Lottery Prize A Connecticut man has claimed a $500,000 lottery prize. Hartford County resident Christopher Borkowski, of Southington, won the "$500,000 Extravaganza! Second Edition" prize from a ticket purchased at RK Liquor Store, located at 64 South Center St. in Southington, Connecticut Lottery announced on Tuesday, Oct. 18. Other noteworthy winners CT Lottery announced in the past week include: Kevin Landry, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, who won a $100,000 "CASH5" prize from a ticket purchased at Geissler's Supermarket Inc. in Windsor Santos Goico, of Hartford, who claimed an $86,188 "CASH5" pri…
Man Charged With Manslaughter In CT Crash That Killed 60-Year-Old Man, Police Say Man Charged With Manslaughter In CT Crash That Killed 60-Year-Old Man, Police Say
Man Charged With Manslaughter In CT Crash That Killed 60-Year-Old Man, Police Say A Western Massachusetts man was charged with manslaughter in a crash that killed a 60-year-old man in Connecticut last year. Hampden County resident Dominic Grassetti, age 25, of Southwick, turned himself in to police on Monday, Oct. 3, Connecticut State Police reported.  He was charged with second-degree manslaughter in the two-vehicle crash that killed Fernando Lebron, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, on I-91 in Enfield on Nov. 12, 2021, police said.  Police said the crash happened at about 12:40 a.m. near the Exit 48 off-ramp. A Scion xA, driven by Lebron, was northbound on t…
Man Charged With Murdering 18-Year-Old Whose Body Was Found In Connecticut River Man Charged With Murdering 18-Year-Old Whose Body Was Found In Connecticut River
Man Charged With Murdering 18-Year-Old Whose Body Was Found In Connecticut River Weeks after the body of an 18-year-old was found in the Connecticut River, authorities arrested someone they believe murdered the beloved man from Western Massachusetts.  Elijah Melendez, age 21, of Holyoke, is being held without bail after he was charged in connection with the murder of Elis Vizcarrondo, also of Holyoke on Monday, July 18, Holyoke Police said.  Police found Vizcarrondo, who appeared to have been fatally shot, dumped in the Connecticut River in Chicopee on Sunday, July 3, police said. Vizcarrondo was reported missing prior to officers finding his body.  PLEASE HELP US…
Police Search Connecticut River After Report Of Body In Region Police Search Connecticut River After Report Of Body In Region
Police Search Connecticut River After Report Of Body In Region Authorities are on the scene at a portion of the Connecticut River after a report of a body being observed in Western Massachusetts. At approximately 10:05 Sunday, July 3, a call came in reporting the possible body in the river in Chicopee, authorities said.  The Chicopee Police Underwater Recovery Team as well as the Holyoke Fire Department are on the scene.  Both motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area of Catherine Street and Sheppard Street "as this is an active operation," Chicopee Police said. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
Duo Nabbed In Connection To Murder Of Man In Region Duo Nabbed In Connection To Murder Of Man In Region
Duo Nabbed In Connection To Murder Of Man In Region Two Western Massachusetts residents have been charged with murder in the shooting death of a man who was found dead on a city street. The arrests took place in Hampden County in Springfield and included Thania Rosado on Wednesday, June 8, and Jose Amaro on Friday, June 10. According to the Hampden District Attorney Office’s Spokesperson Jim Leydon, both were charged with the murder of 23-year-old Chicopee resident Luis Lebron Alvelo on Monday, May 30. Alvelo was found when Chicopee police were called to Grattan Street for a report of shots fired, police said. When they arrived, they …
Man Driving Recklessly Injures Deputy In Region, Police Say Man Driving Recklessly Injures Deputy In Region, Police Say
Man Driving Recklessly Injures Deputy In Region, Police Say A Western Massachusetts man has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after injuring a sheriff's deputy while driving recklessly. The incident took place in Hampden County in Springfield around 11:45 a.m., Thursday, June 9. Police attempted to stop Tyler Scheurer, age 36 of Holyoke after he was spotted speeding on Birnie Avenue, said Ryan Walsh, spokesman for the Springfield Police. When the officer approached the vehicle Scheurer sped off just missing the officer. When the officer approached the driver again at a stop light the driver again sped away when the light turne…
Body Of 25-Year-Old Found In Region Body Of 25-Year-Old Found In Region
Body Of 25-Year-Old Found In Region The body of a 25-year-old man has been found in Western Massachusetts. The discovery was made on Wednesday, May 25 in Chicopee, according to Hampden County District Attorney's Office spokesman Jim Leydon.  There is no foul play suspected at this time, he added. The victim’s identity has not been released.  No other information is being provided at this time, including the precise location the body was found. This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates. 
Seen Him? Alert Issued For 25-Year-Old Who's Gone Missing In Region Seen Him? Alert Issued For 25-Year-Old Who's Gone Missing In Region
Seen Him? Alert Issued For 25-Year-Old Who's Gone Missing In Region Law enforcement agencies in Western Massachusetts are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 25-year-old man who has not been seen for days. In Hampden County, an alert was issued and photos were released of Kareem Diabate, who was last seen on Thursday, May 19 in Chicopee. According to the Chicopee Police Department, Diabate was last seen walking on Chicopee Street in the direction of Holyoke. Police described Diabate as being 6-foot-5 weighing approximately 180 pounds with brown eyes, and short black hair in a faded style. Diabate also has a cross tattoo on his forearm. …
Man From Region Admits To Possessing More Than 100 Images Of Child Porn Man From Region Admits To Possessing More Than 100 Images Of Child Porn
Man From Region Admits To Possessing More Than 100 Images Of Child Porn A man from Western Massachusetts has pleaded guilty to possessing more than 100 images of child pornography. Hampden County resident Herve Plasse, age 67, of Chicopee, entered a guilty plea on Monday, May 9, to one count of possession of child pornography, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. He was indicted in September of 2019, the announcement said.  A search of his residence in July of 2015 revealed more than 100 images of child pornography on his computer, the US Attorney's Office reported. He admitted he had accessed a we…
Man Accused Of Masturbating In Public Areas In Region Man Accused Of Masturbating In Public Areas In Region
Man Accused Of Masturbating In Public Areas In Region A Western Massachusetts man has been arrested for allegedly openly masturbating on two occasions, once in front of a child. The incidents took place in Hampden County in West Springfield and Chicopee on Sunday, April 24, and on Tuesday, April 26. On Sunday, West Springfield officers responded to the area of the Connecticut Riverwalk and Bikeway behind Riverdale Shops Plaza for a report of a man in a state of partial nudity openly masturbating.  The suspect, identified as Lawrence "Larry" Disco, age 58, undomiciled, had fled into the wooded area near the riverbank when confronted by a …
Man Wanted For Using Fake CT ID Card, Police Say Man Wanted For Using Fake CT ID Card, Police Say
Man Wanted For Using Fake CT ID Card, Police Say Recognize him? Law enforcement agencies in Western Massachusetts are seeking the public’s assistance as they attempt to identify and locate a man wanted for identity theft involving an altered Connecticut ID card. In Hampden County, local police in Chicopee released a photo of a man who was found in possession of an altered identity card before fleeing the region. According to police, the ID card had the real identification of another person, but the photo had been altered to match the wanted suspect. After being caught with the card, police said that the man then left the area in a blac…
Suspect Wanted On Felony Warrants Apprehended After Pursuit In Region Suspect Wanted On Felony Warrants Apprehended After Pursuit In Region
Suspect Wanted On Felony Warrants Apprehended After Pursuit In Region A man wanted on felony warrants was arrested following a lengthy pursuit that ended in Western Massachusetts. A trooper located the vehicle, which had been reported stolen out of Maine, in Worcester County at the Charlton Service Plaza on the Massachusetts Turnpike westbound at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20, according to Massachusetts State Police. The trooper found the driver sleeping in the back seat of the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor. The driver, identified as 48-year-old Kevin Oldaker, of Illinois, refused to unlock the doors of the Mitsubishi and then drove away, traveling …
School Superintendent In New England Arrested By FBI Placed On Administrative Leave School Superintendent In New England Arrested By FBI Placed On Administrative Leave
School Superintendent In New England Arrested By FBI Placed On Administrative Leave A school superintendent in New England who was arrested by the FBI for allegedly making threats against a police chief candidate has placed on administrative leave. Western Massachusetts resident Lynn Clark age 51, of Belchertown in Hampden County, was arrested early Wednesday, April 6, said FBI Boston Division spokesperson Kristen Setera. Clark is the superintendent of Chicopee Public Schools. Assistance Superintendent Alvin Morton is now the district's acting superintendent, officials said.  Clark was arrested for allegedly making false statements in connection with sending threaten…
FBI Arrests Superintendent Of Schools In Region FBI Arrests Superintendent Of Schools In Region
FBI Arrests Superintendent Of Schools In Region The FBI has arrested a school superintendent in the region for allegedly obstructing the department's investigation into the alleged extortion of a city employee. Western Massachusetts resident Lynn Clark age 51, of Belchertown in Hampden County, was arrested early Wednesday, April 6, said FBI Boston Division spokesperson Kristen Setera. Clark is the superintendent of Chicopee Public Schools. Clark was arrested for allegedly making false statements in connection with sending threatening messages to a candidate for Chicopee chief of police, said US Attorney Rachael S. Rollins …