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The Chilling List: 5 Notorious Massachusetts Serial Killers And The Cold Case That Still Haunts New England

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Massachusetts has long been a focal point for some of America's most infamous and chilling criminal cases, but the narrative of its serial killers is not confined to the history books of the 1960s. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, a new and deeply disturbing chapter has been written with the identification and charging of a man authorities are calling a "New England serial killer" in connection with a decade-long spree targeting vulnerable populations. This article delves into the fresh, shocking details of this new case and explores the dark legacy of other notorious murderers who have operated across the Commonwealth. This updated look at Massachusetts' most dangerous criminals highlights the tireless work of cold-case units and the use of modern forensic technology, which continues to bring justice to decades-old crimes, even as the state grapples with the ongoing threat of unidentified predators. The recent developments serve as a stark reminder that the pursuit of justice for victims of serial violence is a continuous effort, linking historical cases like the Boston Strangler to modern-day cold-case breakthroughs.

The New England Serial Killer: Kevin Lino's Profile and Cold-Case Charges

The most significant and recent development in Massachusetts serial killer investigations centers on Kevin J. Lino, a man already incarcerated who has now been formally identified and charged in connection with a series of cold-case killings. This case, spanning over a decade, has drawn national attention to the vulnerability of unhoused individuals in the region.

Kevin J. Lino: Biographical and Criminal Profile

  • Full Name: Kevin J. Lino
  • Age: 38 (at the time of the new charges)
  • Residence: Lowell, Massachusetts
  • Status: Currently incarcerated and serving a life sentence for prior murders.
  • Victim Profile: Primarily unhoused (homeless) men.
  • Time Frame of Spree: Approximately 2010 to 2014.
  • Method: Allegedly used a combination of blunt force trauma (beating) and poisoning.
  • Known Convictions: Convicted for the 2012 murder of Normand Varieur in Boston and the 2014 murder of Jack Gilbert Berry in Missoula, Montana.
  • New Massachusetts Charges: Two counts of first-degree murder for cold-case killings in Middlesex County.

The charges against Lino stem from an intensive cold-case investigation that connected him to the 2010 killing of Gary C. West in Cambridge and the 2011 killing of Leonard G. Garneau in Lowell. Authorities allege Lino preyed on men in homeless encampments, using a brutal and calculated method that included beating and poisoning. Lino was arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the new charges. The identification of Lino as a serial killer has brought a measure of closure to the families and communities of the victims, while also raising concerns that there may be more unidentified victims across New England.

The Shadow of the Unsolved: The New Bedford Highway Killer

While the Kevin Lino case represents a significant breakthrough, Massachusetts is still haunted by one of the most persistent and tragic unsolved serial killing sprees in its history: the New Bedford Highway Killer. This cold case from the late 1980s continues to vex investigators and captivate true crime enthusiasts.

The New Bedford Highway Killer: A Lingering Mystery

Between 1988 and 1989, the bodies of at least nine women were discovered along Interstate 195 and other highways near New Bedford, Massachusetts. The victims, many of whom were involved in sex work and struggled with substance abuse, were all connected to the New Bedford area. The case is characterized by the dumping of the victims' bodies in remote locations, often near highway off-ramps, which led to the moniker "Highway Killer."

The total number of victims is often cited as nine confirmed murders and two additional disappearances, though some sources suggest the toll could be higher. Despite numerous leads, suspects, and renewed public interest sparked by books and documentaries, the identity of the New Bedford Highway Killer remains unknown. The case highlights the challenges of investigating crimes against marginalized populations and remains a top priority for the Massachusetts State Police and local authorities, with the hope that advances in DNA technology might one day unmask the perpetrator, similar to how other high-profile cases have been solved.

A Dark History: Three Other Notorious Massachusetts Serial Killers

Beyond the current developments and the New Bedford mystery, Massachusetts has unfortunately produced several other figures whose crimes have left an indelible mark on the state's criminal history. Understanding these cases provides essential topical authority on the history of serial violence in the Commonwealth.

1. The Boston Strangler (Albert DeSalvo)

Perhaps the most famous Massachusetts serial killer, the Boston Strangler terrorized the state between 1962 and 1964. Albert DeSalvo confessed to the murders of 13 women, primarily older women who were sexually assaulted and strangled in their homes. While DeSalvo was never convicted of the murders (he was imprisoned on other charges), he was later confirmed to be the killer of the final victim, Mary Sullivan, through DNA evidence in 2013, solidifying his place in true crime lore. The Strangler case created widespread panic in the greater Boston area and fundamentally changed how residents viewed home security.

2. Tony Costa (The Cape Cod Killer)

Tony Costa, also known as the "Cape Cod Killer," was active in the Truro area during the late 1960s. He was convicted of the murders of three women: Patricia Walsh, Mary Anne Wysocki, and Susan Perry. Costa's crimes were particularly gruesome, involving the dismemberment of his victims. His case was sensationalized at the time, painting a terrifying picture of a predator operating in the usually tranquil environment of Cape Cod. Costa died in prison in 1974.

3. Alfred Gaynor (The Springfield Serial Killer)

Alfred Gaynor was responsible for the murders of at least five women in the Springfield, Massachusetts, area between 1995 and 1998. His victims, like Lino's, were often marginalized, including women struggling with addiction. Gaynor was known to have a history of violence and was ultimately convicted of the five murders, receiving multiple life sentences. The case exposed deep-seated issues within the Springfield community and the challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking a serial predator operating within a specific, vulnerable population.

The Enduring Impact of Serial Violence on the Commonwealth

The cases of Kevin Lino, the New Bedford Highway Killer, the Boston Strangler, Tony Costa, and Alfred Gaynor collectively illustrate the varied and persistent nature of serial violence in Massachusetts. From the cold-case breakthroughs using modern DNA and genealogical tracing to the decades-long mystery of the New Bedford victims, the Commonwealth is continually working to solve and prevent these heinous crimes. The recent identification of Lino as a serial killer targeting the unhoused community serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the most vulnerable members of society and dedicating resources to cold-case investigations. The ongoing pursuit of justice, whether through the arraignment of a newly identified perpetrator or the tireless work on a decades-old cold case, remains a central focus for law enforcement agencies across New England. The public’s continued fascination and curiosity about these dark figures ensure that the stories of the victims, and the efforts to find their killers, will not be forgotten.
The Chilling List: 5 Notorious Massachusetts Serial Killers and the Cold Case That Still Haunts New England
massachusetts serial killer
massachusetts serial killer

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