The Dark Underbelly Of The Bay State: 3 Massachusetts Serial Killer Cases That Shocked New England
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, known for its rich history, prestigious universities, and pivotal role in American independence, harbors a dark and chilling history of serial violence that continues to haunt its communities. As of December 22, 2025, the conversation surrounding serial killers in Massachusetts remains highly relevant, not just because of the infamous historical cases, but due to recent breakthroughs in cold case investigations and the identification of new perpetrators.
From the bustling streets of Greater Boston to the quiet highways of Bristol County, the shadow of the serial killer has, at various times, fallen over the Bay State. This in-depth article explores three of Massachusetts' most notorious and compelling serial killer cases—one recently solved, one historically infamous, and one that remains a frustrating, chilling mystery—to provide a comprehensive look at the state's true crime landscape and the ongoing efforts to bring justice to victims.
The Newly Identified Predator: Kevin Lino and the Cold-Case Killings
In a significant development that underscores the relentless work of cold-case detectives, authorities have recently identified and labeled Kevin J. Lino as a Massachusetts serial killer. Lino, a 38-year-old man from Lowell, was already serving time for two separate murder convictions when he was formally indicted in connection with additional cold-case killings.
A Timeline of Violence: Kevin Lino’s Victims
The alleged killing spree attributed to Kevin Lino spans several years and multiple states, highlighting a predator who moved across New England and beyond.
- Normand Varieur (2012): Lino was convicted and serving time for the murder of Varieur in Boston.
- Jack Gilbert Berry (2014): Lino was also convicted and serving time for the murder of Berry, which occurred in Missoula, Montana, demonstrating a pattern of violence that crossed state lines.
- Additional Indictments (2010-2014): In a major update, Lino was recently linked to four additional murders of homeless men that occurred between 2010 and 2014. These victims, often marginalized and vulnerable, were targeted in a series of brutal acts that were eventually pieced together by investigators.
The formal identification of Lino as a serial killer and the subsequent indictments have provided long-awaited answers for the families of the victims. This case serves as a crucial reminder that even decades-old murders can be solved through the persistent application of modern forensic science and dedicated police work, offering a measure of closure in the ongoing saga of Massachusetts cold cases.
The Infamous Shadow: Albert DeSalvo and the Boston Strangler
No discussion of serial killers in Massachusetts is complete without addressing the Boston Strangler, a moniker given to the killer responsible for the murders of 13 women in the Greater Boston area between 1962 and 1964. The case, which terrorized the entire region, remains one of the most sensational and controversial true crime stories in American history.
The Complex Confession of Albert DeSalvo
The man most commonly associated with the crimes is Albert DeSalvo, a convicted criminal who confessed to the 13 murders while incarcerated for unrelated sexual assault charges. DeSalvo's confession was highly detailed and compelling, yet it was not without its controversies and lingering doubts, leading many to question if he truly acted alone or was responsible for all the murders.
The victims of the Boston Strangler were primarily women, ranging in age from 19 to 85, and were often found strangled with articles of clothing, sometimes sexually assaulted. The sheer brutality and randomness of the killings created mass panic, with women across the state being advised to lock their doors and avoid being alone.
The debate over DeSalvo's guilt was largely settled in 2013, decades after his 1973 death. DNA evidence recovered from the final victim, Mary Sullivan, conclusively linked DeSalvo to her murder. While this breakthrough confirmed his involvement in at least one of the Strangler murders, the question of whether he committed all 13 remains a point of historical contention and discussion among true crime enthusiasts and law enforcement experts.
The Chilling Unsolved Mystery: The New Bedford Highway Killer
Perhaps the most frustrating and chilling serial killer case in Massachusetts history is that of the New Bedford Highway Killer, an unidentified perpetrator responsible for a series of murders and disappearances in the late 1980s. The case, centered around the city of New Bedford in Bristol County, remains officially unsolved, leaving a painful open wound in the community.
The Route 195 Victims and Disappearances
Between 1988 and 1989, a wave of terror gripped New Bedford. The killer targeted women, many of whom had connections to the city’s drug and prostitution scene, making the case a tragic reflection of social issues and vulnerability. The bodies of at least nine women were discovered, often along or near Route 195 and its connecting highways, which is how the killer earned their infamous name.
The number of victims is often cited as 9 confirmed deaths and two additional disappearances, though some reports suggest up to 11 women may have been killed. The victims included Nancy Paiva, one of the earliest identified, whose case became a focal point for the investigation. The victims’ identities and the manner of their deaths suggested a killer with a specific victimology and a pattern of dumping bodies in remote, accessible locations off the highway.
Despite intense investigation, including the questioning of numerous suspects like Anthony DeGrazia, who was briefly charged in one of the murders before the charges were dropped, the New Bedford Highway Killer was never apprehended. The lack of closure continues to fuel speculation and hope that advancements in DNA technology, similar to those used in the Boston Strangler case, might one day unmask this elusive New England serial killer. The ongoing mystery highlights the importance of preserving evidence in unsolved massachusetts murders and the enduring pain of the families who still seek justice decades later.
Topical Authority and Other Massachusetts Serial Killers
While the cases of Kevin Lino, Albert DeSalvo, and the New Bedford Highway Killer dominate the headlines, Massachusetts has been home to other documented serial killers and mass murderers, further solidifying its complex true crime history. These cases contribute to the state’s topical authority on the subject of violent crime:
- Tony Costa: Known as the "Cape Cod Killer," Costa was a notorious figure whose gruesome crimes in the late 1960s shocked the state.
- Alfred Gaynor: A serial killer active in the Springfield area, convicted of killing three women in the 1990s.
- Kristen Gilbert: A former VA hospital nurse who was convicted of murdering four patients and attempting to murder three others, earning her the label of a 'death angel' serial killer.
- Thomas Piper: The "Boston Belfry Murderer," whose crimes pre-date the Strangler, offering a historical perspective on serial violence in the city.
- Richard Rogers: The "Last Call Killer," who targeted gay men in New York and New Jersey, but was originally from Massachusetts and had connections to the state.
The continuous efforts by the Massachusetts State Police and District Attorney's offices to review cold-case files, often utilizing new forensic techniques, demonstrate a commitment to resolving these dark chapters. The recent developments in the Kevin Lino case prove that no serial killer case is ever truly closed, and the pursuit of justice for victims across the Commonwealth remains a priority.
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