Brockton’s Cold Cases Bring Closure: Killer and Rapist Identified Through DNA

Brockton, Ma-Authorities have confirmed the identity of the man responsible for the rape and murder of a woman in Brockton, Massachusetts, in 1991, as well as the rape of another woman two years later.

Robert Carey, who passed away last year, was identified as the perpetrator through advanced DNA technology in connection with the unsolved murder of 28-year-old Cherie Bishop, and the assault on Donna Bell, according to Plymouth District Attorney Timothy Cruz, who made the announcement on Thursday.

“I hope the family members find some level of closure from this development,” Cruz expressed.

Bell, who passed away in 2021, was violently assaulted after being abducted from the street by a man in a vehicle, who threatened her with strangulation if she resisted. Despite being injured in the ordeal, she managed to seize a sharp object from her attacker and escape, although she sustained a knee wound. Law enforcement discovered her in considerable distress.

Bishop’s body was discovered with only socks and a diamond earring, as Cruz stated. Initial DNA evidence from a rape kit at the time of her murder did not reveal any suspects. However, advancements in forensic genealogy allowed for a re-examination of the evidence, ultimately leading to a breakthrough.

In 2016, authorities linked both cases and conducted DNA comparisons with genealogy databases, which led to the identification of a potential relative of the suspect. This information enabled investigators to pinpoint Carey as the assailant, who resided within a mile and a half of both victims at the time of the incidents.

Cruz noted during the press conference that there was no evidence linking Carey to any other cases and that the family had been cooperative with law enforcement.

Carey died of natural causes.