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Charges Upgraded For CT Man Accused Of Massachusetts Baseball Bat Slaying: DA

A grand jury has charged a 32-year-old man with murder following the discovery of a body in Worcester County, authorities said.

Mitchell Burke in 2019

Mitchell Burke in 2019

Photo Credit: Facebook/Mitchell Burke

Ryan Wilcox, of Thompson, Connecticut, and Worcester, is now charged with murder, armed assault with intent to kill, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, and assault with a dangerous weapon, according to the Worcester County District Attorney's Office.

The body of 32-year-old Mitchell Burke was discovered in Hubbardston around 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4. Burke suffered "substantial trauma to the head" and multiple wounds to his body, according to NBC Boston, citing the criminal complaint. His pants were reportedly pulled down.

Burke's mother told authorities that he had left to meet with his former boss, believed to be Wilcox, on New Year’s Eve.

When questioned by police, Wilcox allegedly admitted to striking Burke multiple times with a metal baseball bat, NBC Boston reported. What led to the violent confrontation remains unclear. 

Authorities have yet to determine what happened to Burke's body after the encounter as it was not discovered for four days.

Two other men — Richard Gabrila, 39, of Worcester, and Shane J. Bowen, 28, of Warren — were charged last week with being accessories after the fact to Burke’s murder, the district attorney's office said.

Burke, who leaves behind a young daughter, was remembered fondly in his obituary. His family held a funeral for him last week.

The investigation is ongoing, and officials are urging anyone with information to contact Massachusetts State Police at 508-832-9124.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated where in Hubbardston Burke's body was found.

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