A former Massachusetts police officer has been arrested and charged with murdering a young woman to prevent her from testifying in a potential sexual assault case against him.
A former Massachusetts police officer has been arrested and charged in federal court in Boston with allegedly murdering a young woman to prevent her from testifying in a potential sexual assault case against him.
John Rooney, 33, of Stoughton, Mass., was charged with one count of murder and one count of obstruction of justice. He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday afternoon.
Former Massachusetts Police Officer Accused in Murder to Obstruct Justice
According to the criminal complaint, Rooney was a Stoughton police officer when he sexually assaulted the victim, 30-year-old Jessica Lowery, in May 2018. Lowery reported the assault to the police, and Rooney was placed on administrative leave.
In March 2019, Lowery was scheduled to testify before a grand jury about the alleged assault. However, she was found dead in her Stoughton apartment two days before her scheduled testimony.
Investigators believe that Rooney murdered Lowery to prevent her from testifying against him. They also believe that he may have attempted to make it look like her death was a suicide.
If convicted, Rooney faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for the murder charge and 20 years in prison for the obstruction of justice charge.
Rooney's arrest comes as a shock to the community of Stoughton. Many people knew Rooney as a dedicated police officer, and they are now questioning whether he is capable of such a heinous crime.
"This is a terrible tragedy," said Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara. "I am heartbroken for the victim and her family. We are committed to working with the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office to ensure that justice is served."
Lowery's family is also devastated by her death. They are calling for Rooney to be held accountable for his actions.
"Jessica was a beautiful, kind-hearted woman," said her mother, Susan Lowery. "She didn't deserve to die like this. We want justice for Jessica."
The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office is continuing to investigate the case. It is possible that additional charges will be filed against Rooney.
The case is a reminder of the dangers that women face every day. It is also a reminder that sexual assault is never acceptable.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, please know that you are not alone. There are resources available to help you. Please reach out to a trusted friend or family member, or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.
