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Pride Month takes Greater Lowell, celebrating LGBTQ+ history, identities

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The commonwealth, country and world are painted in rainbows every June, marking the start of Pride Month and an effort for LGBTQ+ people to be seen and heard in their identities.

But Pride encompasses more than the grandiose parades and large-scale parties and celebrations. Towns and communities across Massachusetts are recognizing and holding space for their own residents in different ways, in solidarity, collaboration and validation.

Here’s a look at the upcoming LGBTQ+ happenings this month in Greater Lowell and beyond.

Lowell

Taffeta, a new music venue out of Western Avenue Studios, will be creating “all around queer vibes” on Trans Tuesday, an event featuring performances from local trans artists and a live DJ, on June 6 from 8-11 p.m. Portions of the proceeds will be donated to Trans Resistance MA, a nonprofit advocacy organization.

Food trucks will be stationed outside, and drinks will be served. Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door.

For a thorough look at drag itself, the Pollard Memorial Library — in partnership with the Wilmington Memorial Library — is inviting Matthew Wittmann to cover the United States history of drag performances in a Zoom lecture June 8 from 7-8 p.m.

Wittmann, curator of the Harvard Theatre Collection, will utilize photographs and primary source materials from the Houghton Library at Harvard University. Registration for the virtual session is open on the library’s events page.

At the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, literary scholar Heather Barrett and historian Resi Polixa will walk through local LGBTQ+ history, weaving in stories of the city’s immigrants and mill workers of years past. Interested parties can join the walk June 10 from 10-11:30 a.m.

And following Billerica’s recent proclamations in support of LGBTQ+ rights, Billerica Access Television is holding an art installation and reception at the historic Howe School at 390 Boston Road June 10 from 2-5 p.m. The mixed media art will honor and celebrate community pride and allyship, with remarks from guest speaker Kelly Jenkins at 3:30 p.m. and a film screening from Elliot Gale.

Chelmsford

The party continues in Chelmsford, where residents can prepare “to dance, sing, cheer, and slay” at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts’ “Celebration! A Drag Show” June 10 from 7-9 p.m. In partnership with Chelmsford Community Services, the night of performances is only open to adults 21-plus — though will be “family-friendly” — and there will be a cash bar.

Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for seniors, and they can be purchased through the CCA’s website or by contacting the box office at 978-250-3780 or cca@chelmsfordma.gov.

Beforehand, the town will host a handful of free activities and resources for families at the Market on the Common from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Every June, Rainbow Merrimack Valley — formerly Rainbow Chelmsford — distributes rainbow flags to allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community by request through an online portal, as well as in person outside the CCA on Saturdays. Those interested can email rainbowchelmsford@gmail.com or access the contact form on the organization’s website, rainbowchelmsford.com.

For the education-seekers, SpeakOUT Boston — speakers who address discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community — are visiting the Chelmsford Public Library to teach attendees how to be allies for transgender people.

The event is part of the library’s Compelling Questions lecture series, which seeks to hold discussions around challenging topics with a current day impact.

SpeakOUT Boston encourages attendees to “Ask Us Anything” in an effort to combat misinformation and increase understanding. Registration is open on the library’s website for the event, which will be held June 21 from 6:30-8 p.m.

Acton

The Pride party kicks off June 16 with the Acton Pride Weekend! Drag Show Event. Drag performers will take the stage at the outdoor Thomas E. Tidman Amphitheater at NARA Park from 8-10 p.m.

Audience members should bring blankets and chairs, as well as their own food and drinks. Food and alcoholic beverages will be sold on the premises. Tickets for those 14-plus are $10 on Eventbrite and $15 at the gate.

Dracut

Readers can find their next summer page-turner at the Parker Memorial Library’s Virtual LGBTQ+ Book Club, where attendees can discuss author Ashley Herring Blake’s “Delilah Green Doesn’t Care” and “Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail” that may serve “as a springboard to discuss the challenges,” the event description states.

The book club is open to teens, adults and seniors who are interested in exploring books with LGBTQ+ themes alongside LGBTQ+ librarians. The Zoom runs June 26 from 7-8 p.m., and more information is posted on the library’s website.

Fitchburg

NoWoCo Pride — a group representing LGBTQ+ residents and allies of North Worcester County — is organizing its first annual Pride Parade at Fitchburg City Hall July 22, starting at 2 p.m.

It’s just one of several events in the county this and next month continuing the Pride celebrations, which includes a Pride Paint Party at Main Street Studios June 18 from 1-3 p.m., a Gardner City Hall Lighting July 16 and NoWoCo Pride’s fifth anniversary gala July 19. Tickets to paid events can be purchased through NoWoCo’s website.

And for the pet lovers, NoWoCo is inviting furry friends to participate in a Paws Up for Pride at the Fitchburg Dog Park July 20 at 7 a.m. There will be vendors and a pet costume contest.

Local roundup: Wolves falter in loss to Doherty

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The Nashoba Regional softball team couldn’t hang onto a late lead against Doherty Monday as the Highlanders rallied to force extra innings and ultimately came away with a 5-2 victory in eight innings over the Wolves in a CMADA Class A tournament quarterfinal in Bolton.

Nashoba (16-3) will play a consolation game in the CMADA tournament to close out the regular season, facing either Tantasqua Regional or Wachusett Regional.

Holding a 2-1 lead entering the top of the sixth, Nashoba allowed Doherty (10-7) to push across the tying run. The Highlanders plated three more runs in the top of the eighth inning to propel the visitors from Worcester.

Nashoba pitcher Hannah Reardon went eight innings and allowed five runs on 12 hits while striking out 10. Teammate Kylie Doherty drove in both Nashoba runs with a solo homerun in the fourth inning and an RBI single in the fifth inning.

Monty Tech 2, Oakmont 0: The Bulldogs (16-3) saw Bridget Divoll scatter five hits and strike out four as they advanced in the CMADA Class C tournament.

The Bulldogs opened the scoring as Danielle Belliveau led off with a double in the bottom of the first and later scored on a single by Jessica Mueller. The lead doubled in the third as Holli Blood led off with a single, went to second on a hit batter and advanced on a wild pitch. Blood came home on a ground out by Divoll.

Emily Walker had two hits for the Bulldogs.

Olivia Souers pitched a solid game for the Spartans (8-10), allowing two runs on seven hits, striking out five and walking a pair.

Clinton 10, Lunenburg 2: Sarah Viveiros scored both of Lunenburg’s runs as the Blue Knights fell in a CMADA Class C quarterfinal.

West Boylston 13, St. Bernard’s 1: The Bernardians drop to 4-12 with the loss in the CMADA Class D quarterfinals.

Volleyball

Leominster 3, Burncoat 0: The Blue Devils (16-3) won their CMADA quarterfinal match by set scores of 25-19, 25-17 and 25-17.

Daniel Caetano had 21 kills, 16 service points, eight digs and a block in the win, while Andy Truong had 35 assists, seven service points and a kill. Isaias Anziani chipped in with16 digs, five service points and two assists for Leominster, which hosts Keefe Tech Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Acton Boxboro 3, Ayer-Shirley 0: Set scores were 25-8, 25-14 and 25-12.

Senior outside hitter Santiago Salazar had four kills in defeat for the Panthers (4-11), while junior setter and middle hitter David Batchelor had four blocks and two assists.

Girls lacrosse

Notre Dame 12, Lunenburg 8: Caitlin Ware netted a hat trick for the fifth-seeded Blue Knights in a CMADA Class B quarterfinal loss to No. 4 Notre Dame.

Boys tennis

Nashoba 5, South 0: Victor Xu, Philip Baykov and Jesse Gjeltema swept the singles matches for the Wolves (13-4) without dropping a game in the CMADA Class A quarterfinals. The first doubles team of Tyler Brown and Alex Jangro was also victorious, while Leo Lima and Brian Quill-Schuffels earned a win in second doubles action.

Boys lacrosse

St. Bernard’s junior Josh Hoecker reached a milestone in Saturday’s 10-4 loss to Assabet Valley Tech. With four goals for the Bernardians (9-8), Hoecker reached the 100-goal mark for his career, finishing the contest at 102.

College track and field

Fitchburg State’s men’s outdoor track and field team had three members named to the 2023 U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Regional Team as announced by the USTFCCCA on Friday.

Freshman Liam Bourassa (Shirley, Mass.), junior Taban Manyok and classmate Eric Shimiyimana were selected to the 2023 USTFCCCA All-Region Team (East).

Bourassa, a Shirley native, notched a personal best throw of 62.61 meters with a fourth-place effort at the 2023 New England Intercollegiate Amateur Athletic Association (NEICAAA), hosted by Northeastern University.

Manyok was also solid for the Falcons, taking the 2023 MASCAC crowns in the 10,000 meter (33.08.73), the 3,000 meter steeple chase (9:59.85) and the 5,000 meter (16:07.66) as well as guiding the Falcons 4×400 meter relay to the 2023 MASCAC title with a time of 3:28.89.

Shimiyimana captured the MASCAC title in the triple jump with a mark of 13.61 meters, while setting the Fitchburg State program record in the triple the jump with a mark 14.18 meters at the 2023 DIII New England Championships.

Bourassa returns to action later this week, competing in the javelin at the 2023 NCAA DIII Outdoor Track and Field National Championships, starting Thursday in Rochester, N.Y.

Lori Trahan celebrates service academy nominees

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LOWELL — Each June, U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan’s office begins the process of accepting, vetting and nominating 10 applicants each to four of the nation’s five U.S. service academies — West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy.

Monday night, Trahan recognized the 24 nominees from her office in a ceremony held in the venerable Hall of Flags at Lowell Memorial Auditorium, celebrating what she called, “this remarkable group of young adults.”

They ranged across the 35 3rd Congressional District communities, hailing from Pepperell, Lancaster, Acton, Clinton, Fitchburg, Lunenburg, Concord, Dracut, Carlisle, Westford, Lowell and Tyngsboro.

Trahan made her remarks standing at the front of a room lined with flags depicting Veterans’ Council organizations, early American history and the state flag. She cited the hall’s significance as a place of honor dedicated to the men and women veterans of Lowell, especially those who died during time of war.

“As your representative in Congress, my role in this process — nominating the students to our world-class service institutions — is one of my greatest honors, and it’s a responsibility that everyone on the team takes very seriously.” Trahan started her congressional career serving on the Armed Services Committee.

That team included Air Force veteran and Trahan’s Director of Constituent Services Jorge Morales-Lopez, who told the crowd that a service academy education is “rooted in leadership, discipline and the skills necessary to become an officer in the armed forces.”

The application season opens on June 1 and ends Oct. 31. Students must submit three letters of recommendation, a resume of extracurricular activities, an official high school transcript, SAT and/or ACT scores and a 500-word essay on attending a service academy.

“As officers in the U.S. military, you will form the ‘tip of the spear’ in that effort,” Trahan said. “Seeing the drive that got you here, and the courage you have shown in taking this step, reassures me that America’s best days are ahead.”

A nine-member Service Academy board of past and present military, recommended the nominees on behalf of Trahan’s office. Both U.S. Army Sgt. First Class (Ret.) John Moses, of Chelmsford, and former U.S. Naval Academy graduate and Marine David Cote, attended the event representing the board.

“We don’t just look at your grades or your SAT scores,” Trahan said. “We look for students rich in character and leadership, and with unwavering enthusiasm and determination, driven by the steadfast commitment to serve our country and our common good.”

The Air Force Junior ROTC honor guard from Lowell High School opened the ceremony, presenting the flags that flanked the stage and later became a backdrop for family photos with Trahan and military leadership.

Among that group was cadet and nominee Kaiden Man, of Lowell, who attended the ceremony with his family. He said his parents “nudged” him to join the high school’s ROTC program four years’ ago. Although he did not receive an appointment to a service academy, Man said he was going to continue a military path by enlisting upon graduation in June.

Six women were among the nominees, which Trahan said reflects the commitment of the Board to nominate students representative of the 3rd District.

Sophie Russell, of Chelmsford, received nominations to West Point, the Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy. She’ll report to Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island. Service runs in her family, she said.

“My mother, my father and all of my grandparents were in the military, so I wanted to follow in their footsteps,” Russell said. “I was in the Air Force auxiliary for two years. I found out in January that I was nominated.”

Another legacy of family service was reflected in Elizabeth “Lisa” Fitzgerald’s decision to apply to and receive an appointment to the Air Force Academy.

“Both my parents went to the Air Force Academy, and served in the military,” the Concord resident said. “I found that inspiring. My three older siblings — two sisters and a brother — also went to the academy. That motivated me to pursue a life of service.”

Of the 24 nominees, eight received an appointment to a service academy, with Morales-Lopez noting that, “Receiving a nomination is in of itself an accomplishment.”

Lars Jansson, of Tyngsboro, knows both sides of the nomination process. Jansson was a nominee last year, but did not receive an appointment to a service academy. He enrolled in UMass Francis School of Engineering, and applied again this year, receiving an appointment to West Point.

“We nominate the students,” Morales-Lopez explained. “But the academy’s make the final determination on admission. He did not receive an appointment last year, but I encouraged him to come back and apply.”

After the speeches recognizing their accomplishments, Trahan, Col. Taona Enriquez and Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary conferred the certificates upon the nominees. Afterwards, Trahan spoke again to highlight the impact the young people had on her work in Congress.

“We have a collective duty to secure our future and our children’s future by defending our values wherever they are challenged aboard or at home,” Trahan said. “As officers in the U.S. military, you will form the tip of the spear in that effort, and seeing the drive that got you here, and the courage you have shown in taking this step, reassures me that America’s best days are ahead.”

She wished the nominees the best of luck on their future endeavors, and thanked them for the honor of nominating them. “I’m so present for this moment, looking into your faces knowing that our best days are indeed ahead with you at the helm.”

The nominees who received appointments are:

West Point

• Adrien Lam – Groton, United States Military Academy Preparatory School.

• Lars Jansson – Tyngsboro, University of Massachusetts, Lowell – Francis College ofEngineering.

• Anthony Petracca – Lancaster, Trivium School.

Naval Academy

• Fiona Cullen – Andover, Austin Preparatory School.

Air Force Academy

• Zachary Aster – Fitchburg, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

• Elizabeth Fitzgerald – Concord, Austin Preparatory School.

•Keira Lonadier – Concord, Concord-Carlisle High School.

Merchant Marine

• Robert Baum – South Hamilton, Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School.

Lancaster community supports family dealing with loss of infant daughter

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LANCASTER — Trees around town are adorned with pink ribbon and the First Church of Lancaster bell tower was lit up with the same rosy hue earlier this month, a show of solidarity for one local family who is dealing with another unimaginable loss.

Trees around Lancaster are adorned with pink ribbon, a show of support for one local family who is once again dealing with the unimaginable loss of a child. (COURTESY JACKI REINERT)
Trees around Lancaster are adorned with pink ribbon, a show of support for one local family who is once again dealing with the unimaginable loss of a child. (COURTESY JACKI REINERT)

Just nine days after Miss Charlotte “Charlie” Paige made her debut in the world, Nicole and Ryan Lafferty’s newest little bundle of joy died due to complications from a congenital heart defect, hypoplastic left heart syndrome. During her pregnancy and leading up Charlie’s delivery on March 10 and since then Nicole has openly shared their family’s journey and struggles through their aptly named Facebook page, Charlie’s Paige.

Although little Charlie was a fighter ultimately, she “…was just too teeny to sustain the work they did on her last night. It was too much,” Nicole shared on March 18, “the update no one ever wanted to post.” The grieving mother said that although they only had Charlie for a short time, she made a big impact on their family and their hearts expanded with love for her before she was even born.

“We knew Charlie had a struggle ahead,” Nicole shared about finding out at 18 weeks pregnant about Charlie’s heart condition.

“We spent the next 20 weeks planning for her arrival and prepping for the unexpected. We knew it would be hard, but we never thought we would get just eight short days with her. She was born pink and vivacious. She had a strong cry and came out with a big smirk on her face that didn’t rest for one second through every single thing she faced. She was absolutely perfect and to say we are devastated would not give it a speck of credit.”

Lancaster resident Nicole Lafferty lovingly cradles her baby girl Charlie Paige in her arms. The infant died on March 18, just eight days after she was born, due to hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a congenital heart defect. (COURTESY THE LAFFERTY FAMILY)
Lancaster resident Nicole Lafferty lovingly cradles her baby girl Charlie Paige in her arms. The infant died on March 18, just eight days after she was born, due to hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a congenital heart defect. (COURTESY THE LAFFERTY FAMILY)

Sadly, the Lafferty family is no stranger to grief. In 2018 they welcomed a baby girl name Sloane, “a sweet, loving, gentle soul who was given a mere 59 days here on earth with us.”

“…she received nothing but love,” Nicole shared. “She was held and doted on every single day of her life. She passed unexpectedly on November 2, 2018, without any explanation and we miss her with every fiber of our bodies.”

She said that the immense support they have received from people in their hometown and beyond, family, friends, even strangers, in the wake of their deep losses and what that means to them is immeasurable.

“After Sloane passed, we struggled to find purpose in making her life important and known, and ultimately we ended up making family with the Lancaster Fire Department, who were the first responders the night of her passing,” Nicole said. “We have found purpose in hosting various events through the year to celebrate Sloane’s life and give back to the community. The support we have received after Charlie’s diagnosis has been overwhelming and humbling. The response by the town supporting us and our girls and our Charlie bear have brought us to our knees, and we do not have adequate words to express our gratitude.”

The beautiful brood of Lafferty girls from Lancaster shared a sweet message in November 2020 following the loss of their baby sister Sloane. (COURTESY THE LAFFERTY FAMILY)
The beautiful brood of Lafferty girls from Lancaster shared a sweet message in November 2020 following the loss of their baby sister Sloane. (COURTESY THE LAFFERTY FAMILY)

A GoFundMe set up for the family by their friend Jessica Ryan has raised nearly $5,000 to date, donations that will help offset the costs of months of hospital stays, relocation, work absences, medical bills, childcare, etc. The pink touches around town are a visual reminder that people are backing the family, which includes their beautiful brood of girls — Brynn and Reagan, both 9, Blake, 6 and Parker, 3, Charlie and Sloane’s big sisters.

Nicole grew up in Bolton and said she has “been in the district my whole life.” Her husband hails from Acton and she joked that she “dragged him here back in 2018 while I was pregnant with Sloane.” They celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary on St. Patrick’s Day, the day before Charlie passed.

When asked how their family is doing in the wake of their latest heartbreak, Nicole said they are simply “doing our best.”

“We have four beautiful girls at home who need us to do it for them,” she articulated. “We would love to crumble into a million pieces, but we cannot. And for that, and for them, we are grateful. We will be strong, and we will get through because we have each other.”

Nicole recently posted information about what is sure to be a well-attended celebration of life for Charlie on Saturday, March 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sterling Street Brewery in Clinton, saying that “all are welcome.”

“We hope to see you there,” she penned. “Our girls will be there, so please do include your kids if you would like.”

Burial services for Charlie will be held privately the following day.

A celebration of life is being held for Charlie Paige on March 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sterling Street Brewery in Clinton. The beloved Lancaster baby passed away just eight days after she was born on March 10 due to complications from a congenital heart defect. (COURTESY THE LAFFERTY FAMILY)
A celebration of life is being held for Charlie Paige on March 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sterling Street Brewery in Clinton. The beloved Lancaster baby passed away just eight days after she was born on March 10 due to complications from a congenital heart defect. (COURTESY THE LAFFERTY FAMILY)

In many of her posts in Charlie’s Paige, Nicole heaped praise on the dedicated and caring medical team at Boston Children’s Hospital, where her daughter was delivered, noting that they have “truly blown us away.”

“We have made family members in mere hours,” she declared. “They will never, ever understand the impact they have had on us. We will be forever indebted to the nurses that watched over our girl.”

When she shared the news that Charlie had passed away, Nicole wrote, “We pray that Sloane was there to meet her and she didn’t suffer at all. She will never, ever be alone. She was never, ever alone. I held her in my arms as she was greeted by our Sloane girl, and she will never, ever, be alone. Pray for our babies, because they are going to be utterly destroyed. We love you all.”

Throughout everything, Lancaster residents have come together to comfort and lift the family up through prayer and doing what they can to show them they are there for them. A group of mothers in town are behind many of the pink ribbons seen in people’s yards and on trees at Mary Rowlandson Elementary school, where the older Lafferty girls attend, and others have installed pink lights at their house.

The First Church of Lancaster bell tower was lit up in pink earlier this month, a show of solidarity for a family in town who is dealing with the unimaginable loss of their baby girl, Charlie Paige. (COURTESY LANCASTER POLICE DEPARTMENT)
The First Church of Lancaster bell tower was lit up in pink earlier this month, a show of solidarity for a family in town who is dealing with the unimaginable loss of their baby girl, Charlie Paige. (COURTESY LANCASTER POLICE DEPARTMENT)

Nicole and Ryan said they are feeling the love and that they cannot thank everyone enough for their encouragement and kindness as they navigate another loss — and that the admiration is mutual.

“Ryan and I are committed to this town,” Nicole said. “The public service, police, fire, etc. have been nothing but a support for us since we got here. We are forever thankful and grateful for them. We will continue to support and do what we can to make sure that our small family makes the biggest impact we possibly can on Lancaster.”

Lunenburg man arraigned in 2013 cold case rape

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ACTON — Nine years after a young woman was sexually assaulted at knifepoint at a commuter rail station in Acton, a Lunenburg man is facing charges.

On Tuesday, Christopher Aldrich, 28, of Lunenburg, was arraigned on the charge of aggravated rape in Concord District Court. Aldrich was held without bail after a dangerousness hearing and is due back in court on March 23.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Acton Police Chief James Cogan said the incident happened on June 18, 2013. The alleged victim, then 22, was waiting alone at the South Acton Commuter Rail station. After she completed a phone call, the victim was allegedly approached by a man with a knife, who threatened to hurt her with it. The woman was raped at knifepoint and after the assault, the man allegedly forced her to throw away her phone and fled on foot.

Officials said after the assailant fled, the woman retrieved her phone and called 911. While police responded within minutes, the assailant could not be located and there were no surveillance cameras in the area.

“The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was treated by a trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Forensic evidence collected from this examination was sent to the State Police Crime Laboratory, whose chemists were able to develop a detailed DNA profile of the attacker,” officials said in a Tuesday press release.

The attacker’s DNA profiled was compared with state and national offender databases, but no success was had in finding a match, officials said. For more than eight years, members of the Acton Police Department and Transit Police continued to try to identify the perpetrator.

As the investigation continued, officials said Middlesex prosecutors and police authorities worked with Parabon NanoLabs to conduct Forensic Genealogy analysis. The technology can analyze aspects of a DNA profile to identify distant relatives of the source, in an effort to develop a pool of potential suspects. That’s when Aldrich was identified as a person of interest.

Aldrich was involved in a car accident on Nov. 9, 2022, when his Ford Crown Victoria struck a utility pole on School Street in Acton, officials said. At the scene of the accident, Acton Police collected a number of personal items from his vehicle including an open bottle of Fireball. He was later treated at a nearby hospital for injuries sustained in the crash.

“Crime Laboratory personnel subsequently swabbed the items, and were able to develop a major male profile from each item. The profiles were a match to each another, and to the offender profile collected from the victim of the 2013 sexual assault. The expected frequency occurrence of this profile in the population was determined to be less than 1 in 3 sextillion individuals (1 in 3,000,000,000,000,000,000,000),” officials said in the press release.

Ryan said in a statement that the case was an important milestone in the work of the Cold Case Unit her office launched in 2019. She said it sent a “strong message” to victims and perpetrators of sexual violence in Middlesex County and changes the narrative of what a cold case is.

“The mere passage of time does nothing to affect our resolve to pursue justice in these cases. We know the terrible personal violation and the continuing trauma that is experienced by survivors of sexual assault crimes,” Ryan said. “We want to give hope to those whose cases have not been resolved. We do not give up on these cases. We are committed to using every tool available to us – not just advances in technology – but creative diligent investigative work to bring these cases to resolution.”

Cogan praised the continued efforts of officers and detectives who refused to quit in their pursuit of the perpetrator. To finally bring charges, it took the combined effort of the Cold Case Unit, detectives from the Acton Police and MBTA Transit Police Departments, State Police detectives assigned to Ryan’s office, the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, the State Police Crime Laboratory, and the partnership of Parabon NanoLabs.

“With the assistance of Detectives from the MBTA Transit Police, many members of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office as well as the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab, the victim now knows who is alleged to have committed this horrifying crime. I hope this provides some relief to the victim and her family,” Cogan said.

Assistant District Attorney David Solet, chief of the Cold Case Unit, is the prosecutor assigned to the case. Susie Marshall is the victim witness advocate.