Latest news with #AustinSchepper
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Yahoo
Death of Sturbridge's Austin Schepper: Missing-person search now a murder case
The death of Sturbridge resident Austin Schepper, who was once the subject of a missing person's investigation, is now considered a homicide. Authorities say a Holland man is charged with murder in connection with Schepper's death. The body of Schepper was found off Union Road in Holland on Feb. 26, more than two weeks after he was last seen. Jonathan Poirier was arraigned on a murder charge in Palmer District Court on Monday, according to a WLLP news of Springfield. The report, which cited information from the Hampden County District's Attorney's Office, said Poirier was ordered held without bail. 'Now, our attention turns to this case and seeking justice for the victim and his loved ones," District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said. "I appreciate the efforts of the investigators, with whom we will continue to collaborate through the prosecution of this case.' On Feb. 17, police distributed a photo of Schepper and of his SUV, a Toyota Rav4. The flyer said he was last seen Feb. 11 in Southbridge. Days later, authorities reported his vehicle had been located at the Big Bunny market on Main Street in Southbridge. The status of the case was changed from missing to missing and endangered. The investigation led authorities to the 100 block of Union Road on the afternoon of Feb. 26. A body was found in the area. There was a heavy police presence in the area for hours. A week later, Gulluni confirmed that the body was that of Schepper. He added at the time: "This remains an ongoing investigation. Return to for more on this story. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Death of Sturbridge's Austin Schepper, once a missing man, now a murder case
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Yahoo
Man charged with murder in connection with body found in Holland
HOLLAND, Mass. (WWLP) – A Holland man has been formally arraigned on a murder charge following the discovery of a body in connection with a missing persons investigation. According to the Hampden District Attorney's Office, Jonathan Poirier was arraigned Monday in Palmer District Court and ordered held without bail in the death of 29-year-old Austin Schepper of Sturbridge. Body found in Holland identified as 29-year-old Sturbridge man Law enforcement officials were first called to the 100-block area of Union Road in Holland on the afternoon of February 26, where a heavy police presence was observed. Investigators later recovered a body at the scene, which was later identified as Schepper. Following an investigation involving multiple agencies–including the State Police Detective Units assigned to both the Hampden and Worcester DA's Offices, as well as Sturbridge and Holland Police–Poirier was identified as the suspect and subsequently charged. 'We stand with the family and community of Holland as we continue to mourn the loss of Austin Schepper,' Hampden DA Anthony Gulluni said in a statement. 'Now, our attention turns to this case and seeking justice for the victim and his loved ones. I appreciate the efforts of the investigators, with whom we will continue to collaborate through the prosecution of this case.' Poirier is facing one count of murder and is scheduled for his next court appearance on May 6. The investigation remains ongoing, and 22News will continue to provide updates on this story as soon as new information becomes available. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Yahoo
Sturbridge police seek public's help in search for missing, endangered man
STURBRIDGE, Mass. (WWLP) – Authorities in Sturbridge are asking for the public's assistance in locating 29-year-old Austin Schepper, who has been missing since February 11. Arrest made in 2021 homicide of Wilbraham man Law enforcement officials have now classified Schepper as a missing and endangered individual, intensifying their efforts to find him. His vehicle was found on Monday at Big Bunny Market in Southbridge. According to Sturbridge Police, Schepper was last seen on February 11 and has not reported to work since that date. His last known cell phone activity was recorded at 12:30 p.m. in the area of Warren on the same day, but all subsequent calls have gone straight to voicemail. Schepper is described as white, 5 feet 10 inches tall, with brown hair and brown eyes. He also has a valid License to Carry and has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database as a missing person. The Sturbridge Police Department is working closely with the Massachusetts State Police Worcester County Detective Unit in the ongoing investigation. 'We want to assure the public that numerous investigators are assigned to this case, and we are working diligently with our law enforcement partners to locate Austin,' Sturbridge Police said in a statement. Authorities are urging anyone with information about Schepper's whereabouts to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously by calling 508-453-7589. Those with direct knowledge of his location are asked to contact Detective Ronald Obuchowski at 508-347-2525 or Trooper Derek Grout at 508-832-9124. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
