“Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III’s Cold Case Unit has identified the killer of a 20-year-old Newport, RI man, who was gunned down at the Brickenwood Housing Project in New Bedford on October 25, 1991.

The killer has now been positively identified as Claudio Jorge. The chief suspect in the 1991 slaying of Brent Davis has also been confirmed as being deceased. Jorge was killed in the Dominican Republic in 2006 while being robbed. He was 40-years-old at the time of his killing.

As part of District Attorney Quinn’s Cold Case Unit, Katherine Sullivan, a Massachusetts State Police Trooper assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s office, began investigating the 1991 homicide of Brent David in the fall of 2020. At the time of the 19991 homicide, witnesses to the shooting identified the suspect as an individual named “Bobby.”

Claudio Jorge. Bristol County District Attorney’s Office photo.

Investigators at the time created a sketch composite of the suspect and were able to identify two relatives of the suspect who were living in New Bedford. Those relatives claimed “Bobby” was also known as “Reynaldo Suriel” and that he was from New York City.

Attempts to locate this individual were unsuccessful. The case then went cold and no arrest was made.

As part of her recent follow up investigation, Trooper Sullivan determined that “Reynaldo Suriel” was likely an alias and that the identity of “Bobby” was still unknown.

After reviewing the 1991 reports, Trooper Sullivan located several individuals who either witnessed the shooting or were associated with the suspect “Bobby.” Some of those individuals were subsequently interviewed.

As a result of those interviews, investigators learned that Mr. Davis had only been staying in New Bedford for a few days prior to his murder in 1991. Investigators further learned that the homicide was the result of a drug distribution dispute, that “Bobby” was originally from the Dominican Republic and that he fled the city immediately after the killing of Mr. Davis.

Bristol County District Attorney’s Office photo.

Another key witness admitted to investigators that he sold cocaine with “Bobby” at the time and that “Bobby” came to his girlfriend’s apartment immediately after the homicide. Once inside the apartment, “Bobby” stated that Davis was dead and that he needed to get out of town. A second key witness corroborate the previous witness’ statements and said “Bobby” committed the homicide.

As the investigation heated up, Trooper Sullivan, joined by another Trooper from the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and a New York Police Detective, made contact with the close relative of the suspect who had also previously resided in New Bedford. That close relative said “Bobby,” also known as “Reynaldo Suriel,” was actually Claudio Jorge and that he had been killed in the Domician Republic in 2006. The close relative provided photographs of Mr. Jorge to investigators, which were a match to the composite sketch produced in 1991. The close relative also provided further information to investigators, which showed that “Bobby” was in fact Claudio Jorge and that Claudio Jorge has shot and killed Mr. Davis in 1991.

Our office acquired criminal records for Claudio Jorge and records from the US Marshals and the New York Police Department. Jorge had a lengthy criminal record with narcotics and weapons offenses. Jorge was incarcerated in New York in 1983 for an armed robbery and a shooting, and again in incarcerated in 1988 for narcotics and weapons offenses. The records further showed that Jorge was not incarcerated on October 25, 1991 but was arrested in 1992 in New York and was subsequently deported to the Dominican Republic in 1998.

Subsequently, an NYPD Dominican Republic Liaison detective visited the Jorge family residence in La Vega, Dominican Republic and spoke with Jorge’s aunt, who stated Jorge was deceased and provided an obituary card from 2006.

Following the confirmed identification of Claudio Jorge as “Bobby,” Trooper Sullivan presented two witnesses in the Davis homicide case with photographs of Jorge. Both witnesses stated with certainty that Jorge was the person known as “Bobby” and that he shot Mr. Davis.

Trooper Sullivan located Brent Davis’ mother in Newport, Rhode Island and informed her that investigators had positively identified the individual responsible for her son’s murder and that he was deceased.

At this point, all investigatory avenues have been exhausted to confirm that Claudio Jorge committed the homicide by firearm of Brent Davis on October 25, 1991 and Jorge is deceased. The cold case has now officially been closed.”-Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

Bristol County District Attorney’s Office photo.

“The crashes occurred when steady rain transitioned to snow, creating a slushy covering on local roads.

The first crash occurred at 11:47 am this morning when a pickup truck went off the road in the area of 72 Precinct Street. While on the scene, calls for multiple crashes on both the north and southbound sides of Rt 140 started to come in.

Despite having 4 firefighters on duty, a recall was required to cover the additional emergencies.

Car 2, Ambulance 3, Ambulance 2, Engine 1, and Engine 2 leapfrogged from scene to scene. A total of 7 patients were evaluated and treated, one requiring transport to the hospital.

Lakeville Fire Department reminds our community to be extra careful during the current tricky driving conditions.”-Lakeville, MA Fire Department.

Lakeville, MA Fire Department photo.

Lakeville, MA Fire Department photo.

“Last week our members assigned to SP Millbury responded to a call for assistance after the operator of a motor vehicle had a medical incident resulting in transport to the hospital.

Our Trooper was able to successfully lure the operator’s dog out of the vehicle with Slim Jim’s and the two became friends quickly.

The pup named Rocky took a trip back to the barracks and was given a tour of C2. Rocky then hung out and worked the desk until animal control showed up to reunite him with his owner.”-State Police association of Massachusetts.

State Police association of Massachusetts photo.

State Police association of Massachusetts photo.

State Police association of Massachusetts photo.

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

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“The streaming services are chock full of World War Two documentaries, dramatic movies and all with startlingly graphic pictures of the Nazi atrocities. And included in so many of these depictions are newsreel footage of millions of civilians saluting Hitler.

Undoubtedly, and secretly, many Germans despised Hitler and his effect upon their democracy, but had to feign support for this monstrous dictator. However, millions of Germans were willing to sacrifice their freedom and publicly proclaim their unyielding support for a man with grandiose visions of world domination and the total annihilation of all non-aryan, non-heterosexual and disabled people.

Thousands of books and articles have interpreted this adoring reaction of so many clearly educated Germans who willingly dispensed with their democratic freedoms. Perhaps the most accurate explanation is that freedom of expression and movement is frightening to people, and as a result they willingly forfeit their liberty and yearn for a return to being collectively governed by dictators, kings, and tribal leaders. The lure of an inclusive existence is comforting especially in the absence of economic stability.

When one watches a MAGA rally with red hatted Americans, who swoon, laugh and display rage at anyone who espouses equality or diversity, the comparison to Nazi rallies is easily perceived.

Is it the grievances or the fear of freedom that is the motivating force that we are observing? Or are these really the same human reaction? As freedom is threatening and grievances provide the unifying element that makes Trump and similar politicians so attractive to millions in America and other once democratic nations. Perhaps the reality of freedom has proven too contrary to the human need for security and inclusiveness.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

“DARTMOUTH, MA – On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Dartmouth Police detectives arrested Ryan VEENSTRA, 41, of Maxfield Street, New Bedford on a warrant they obtained in connection with a stabbing that occurred in Dartmouth in October 2022.

In addition to the previously referenced warrant, VEENSTRA also had four (4) other outstanding warrants for charges including aggravated statutory rape, indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of fourteen, threats to commit a crime, and operating under the influence of liquor (2nd offense).

The investigation into the stabbing was reopened after detectives received new information regarding VEENSTRA’s alleged involvement.

According to Dartmouth Chief of Police, Brian P. LEVESQUE, “This arrest not only removed a dangerous individual from the streets, but also reinforced the dedication that the members of this department maintain when it comes to following up on cases that would have otherwise gone unsolved.-Dartmouth Police Department.

Dartmouth Police Department photo.

“I think it’s time I issue a warning to parents of kids in New Bedford. The small silver canister in the photo is Nitrous Oxide. I’ve noticed them appearing on the streets over the last few months more and more frequently.

People use them to get high. I know this as I’m from the UK and they had their issues with appearing everywhere on the streets years ago. You can read the story here.

If parents find these in their kid’s possession, it’s likely they aren’t using them for their intended purpose. Parents need to be warned of what these things are.

I’m seeing them constantly in the gutters which means they’re being dropped from cars, which means we’ve got people driving around under the influence of these things.

Thanks for reading. “-Jimmy Da Bosh.

By Sam Drysdale
State House News Service

Months after a coalition of regional business chambers warned Beacon Hill politicians to rein in spending, Gov. Maura Healey pitched her new state budget recommendation to members of the state’s business community on Thursday as “balanced” and “responsible.”

The governor’s budget, unveiled on Wednesday, relies on a number of new recurring, multi-year or one-time revenues to finance new spending initiatives, since tax collections have slowed and come in below projections so far in fiscal 2024.

Despite slower revenue growth on the horizon, Healey made a point to note that she does not plan to raise taxes.

“After working hard to make our state more competitive, we will not be introducing new taxes or tax increases,” she said, to applause from those in attendance at the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) event in Newton.

She and legislative leaders have said they have no appetite to raise state taxes to cover spending priorities, though Healey did introduce a bill last week that would allow municipalities to increase certain hospitality taxes and establish a 5 percent local surcharge on vehicle owners, who already pay a local vehicle excise tax.

AIM President and CEO Brooke Thompson celebrated the tax cuts that Healey signed into law last year, but the business group also wants to see more done in the way of tax reform.

AIM, the largest business group in the state, supports reducing the short-term capital gains tax to 5 percent (last year’s tax package cut it from 12 percent to 8.5 percent), joining every other New England state in exempting rolling stock tractors, trailers and rail cars from the sales tax, and allowing deductions for business interests, Thompson said in her State of Massachusetts Business speech this month.

Healey didn’t touch on any of these tax policy priorities during her speech on Thursday, but pitched her housing bond bill and new child care plan as business-friendly initiatives.

The governor also did not touch on a question mark hovering around the heads of the state and businesses — an unresolved error that may mean Massachusetts owes $2.5 billion back to the federal government, which was misused during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thompson brought up the topic in her business address as one of AIM’s main priorities this year.

“AIM strongly supports a swift resolution to the $2.5 billion deficit hanging over the state’s unemployment system,” she said. “Business should not be saddled with additional taxes because Massachusetts incorrectly utilized federal relief funds to pay for jobless claims during the pandemic.”

As for her housing bill, the governor promoted a new University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute report on the potential impact of her $4.1 billion bill, which is meant to make housing more affordable and accessible as a lack of options pushes people out of the state.

The report said the housing bill would produce tens of thousands of new homes across the state and stimulate nearly $25 billion in economic activity, create 30,000 jobs and generate roughly $1 billion in combined state and local tax revenue.

“The analysis — and again this isn’t me speaking, this is the Donahue Institute speaking — it highlights an opportunity, they say, to create upward mobility for more residents. Ramping up housing production will require growing the construction industry with more firms and more workers,” Healey said.

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, which Healey oversees, commissioned the study to estimate the impact of the housing bond bill on the state’s economy. It estimates the total public and private spending associated with the full implementation of the bill to be $15.1 billion over five years, and that it would create a $24.8 billion total economic impact in the same time span.

Thompson said the business group supports the “overarching objectives” of the governor’s housing bill, and particularly supports the acceleration of development near public transit.

In addition to injecting billions of dollars into housing production, the bill also includes policy changes such as enabling communities to enact local option transfer fees to pay for affordable housing and lowering the threshold for zoning reform.

A spokesperson for AIM said their “broad” support for the bill does not mean their members necessarily endorse every aspect of it.

“Almost every Massachusetts employer has heard from an employee at one time or another saying, ‘I’d love to come to work here, or I’d love to stay here, but I can’t afford to raise my family here,” Thompson said in her State of Massachusetts Business address.

The Greater Boston Business Chamber and the Massachusetts Business Roundtable have also supported the so-called Affordable Homes Act.

Healey also pitched her administration’s new early childhood education and care proposals, saying that the state’s high cost of living hit workers with children particularly hard.

The governor’s plan includes an expansion to the universal preschool program into all 26 “gateway cities” by 2026, making more low- and moderate-income families eligible for child care assistance, funding another year of the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grants, and filing an executive order calling for a “whole-of-government” approach to boosting access to child care.

“We know we can reduce the costs for thousands of families. We can help women — thank you for the pink slip initiative — we can help women return and stay in the workforce, and we can importantly achieve the kind of high-quality education and care for our kids that they so deserve,” Healey said Thursday.

The governor also announced a new executive order she signed on Thursday, under which state agencies will no longer specify a minimum level of education when they look to hire new employees.

“Massachusetts is in the midst of a transition to a skills-based economy, in which demand for skilled employee talent is at an all-time high, and employers are seeking to broaden and strengthen their talent pipelines by prioritizing individual skills over traditional credentials like degrees,” the order says.

Her announcement was met with applause on Thursday, and she encouraged business leaders to adopt similar practices.

Healey said the state needs to shift to a “skills-based economy,” and that hiring practices just based on a degree “reduces people to a line on a resume.”

“We know how difficult it remains to fill open positions – and frankly, as the state’s largest employer, we face this challenge as well,” Healey said. “Massachusetts has the highest percentage of working-age adults with a four-year degree, at around 50 percent. We can be proud of that. But the other half of our workforce also makes immense contributions to our economy. Yet too often, job postings – both in the public and private sectors – call for a degree as a minimum requirement, even when that degree is not necessary to perform well in the role. That creates a barrier for both employers and workers alike.”

Tonja Mettlach, executive vice president of the Mass Business Roundtable, sent out a statement commending the move to “[rethink] hiring practices and [be] creative about how we recruit, retain, and invest in talent.”

“We are reaching out to you with heavy hearts as our dear friends, Tom and Becky, navigate a challenging chapter in their lives. Their beloved daughter, Genesis, at just five years old, is bravely battling leukemia at Boston Children’s Hospital. We were told by Genesis’ pediatrician to see a specialist at Boston Childrens Hospital on November 21st.

She will be in the hospital for months at minimum. Family resides in Fairhaven. Husband and wife of Genesis and also a little boy about 6 months old.

Jennifer Plouffe Farland photo.

Genesis had a week’s worth of fevers at home and multiple doctors visits to help with her cold. While at BCH she has had nightly fevers as high as 109, tons of testing, vitsts from all different teams of doctors for almost another week. They couldn’t figure it out. The Doctors finally had a bone marrow biopsy done on her. We anxiously waited nearly a week for the results. Soon after receiving the results we were told she has acute myeloid leukemia. After deciding her treatment, she started chemo the next day.

Our brave girl has stared her second induction of chemo last night. Due to her chemo and illness leaving her immune compromised, she is unable to leave the hospital until she is well again.

Jennifer Plouffe Farland photo.

If you’d like to help her on her journey the best things you could do is to donate blood. However if you know Genesis personally she’d love to hear from you. She loves receiving video messages, cards and drawing.

Genesis’s journey has been filled with strength and courage, but the financial burden of medical expenses has added an extra layer of stress to this already difficult time. As a community, let’s come together to support Tom and Becky in their quest to provide the best care for Genesis. If you want to help, you can visit Genesis’s Go Fund Me page.

Your generosity can make a profound difference in Genesis’s fight against leukemia. Every donation, no matter the size, will contribute to medical bills, necessary treatments, and the overall well-being of this resilient family.”-Jennifer Plouffe Farland.

“We’d like to welcome two new rookies to our Bomb Squad.

Unit members last week selected Trapper and Otto (with his tongue out) for their upcoming Explosive Detection Canine class. Once fully trained in detecting scents associated with explosive materials, Trapper and Otto will become partners of two members of the Bomb Squad.

The MSP Bomb Squad, which is part of the Department’s Division of Investigative Services and is based at the state’s Department of Fire Services, responds to thousands of calls each year to investigate suspicious items, unattended bags, and discoveries of explosives or precursor materials, among other missions.”-Massachusetts State Police.

Boston man was sentenced today for coercing a minor he found on TikTok to send him child sexual abuse material.

“Hector Acevedo, 33, of Jamaica Plain, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris to 22 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In October 2023, Acevedo pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography by a recidivist.

Acevedo, a Level 3 registered sex offender, was previously convicted in Suffolk County Superior Court on multiple child and sexual exploitation offenses including trafficking of a person for sexual servitude, extortion by threat of injury, posing or exhibiting a child in state of nudity or sexual conduct, dissemination of matter harmful to minors, dissemination of child pornography and purchase or possession of child pornography. On Feb. 13, 2018, Acevedo was sentenced to five-to-seven years in state prison and three years of probation.

Just months after his release from prison, while on state probation, Acevedo contacted a 13-year-old girl via TikTok, claiming to be a 17-year-old boy, and asked for her phone number. He then began texting the victim, asking her to send nude pictures of herself to him, and eventually coerced the victim to engage in sexual conduct over video chat. Acevedo also asked for her address, although she did not give it to him. He later solicited other children online on other platforms, pretending to be a pre-teen or teenage girl, and asked them to provide him with nude pictures.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Arlington and Revere Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.