Murder of Joaquim “Jack” Perry

On October 4, 1975, 21-year-old Joaquim “Jack” Perry left his home in New Bedford, Massachusetts home. There was no indication where he was going or why, but he had told his pregnant wife that he was returning later. However, Jack would not return home. His wife would report him missing. 

15 days later on October 19th, a teen rode a dirt bike path in the gravel pit off of New Plainville Rd behind the New Bedford Airport. This was when Jack's body would be found. He had been beaten to death with a baseball bat or club. He was the dragged through the woods to where his body was found. An autopsy found that he suffered from 3 skull fractures and a broken jaw. He was not robbed as he had $51.25 in his pocket and his wedding ring.

A witness would state that they saw him standing by a green sedan near the airport terminal. He was arguing with an unknown white male and a white female. There was another group of people nearby a white male, a white female, and a black male. It's unknown who he was arguing with or why he was at the airport.  

There were rumors on the street that he was involved with a big drug dealing operation. There's no evidence of this being true.

SOURCES:

South Coast Murder Mysteries

Bristol County District Attorney

Taunton Daily Gazette July 13, 2020

Investigation Discovery July 30, 2020