Where there is a will, there is a DNA sample! Cold cases are dug out of the grave, serving justice for decades-long cases.
On 30th May, Matthew J. Milo, a 35-year-old male, received a call about a large parcel delivery that couldn’t fit the resident’s locker facilities. He came down from his apartment in Weehawken, N.J., to the front desk to pick it up.
But soon, he realized he needed to invoke his Miranda Rights. Who knew a typical day would turn from 0 to -100 real quick? What exactly happened on Tuesday? Let us start from the very beginning.
The Boston Serial Rape Cases
People often prefer Boston, Massachusetts, over NYC when they want to settle down with their families. The apartments are cheaper, with a laid-back suburban lifestyle, cost-effective living, and overall health & safety. In fact, the Bay State was even ranked first in the U.S. as a family-oriented region, with Boston being at the epicenter. But every city hides a corner of crime, and women often face the brutal brunt of it.
Over 15 years ago, Boston PD buzzed with phone calls, reporting multiple sexual assaults in Charlestown. The pressure was mounting to solve these cases, but before they could analyze any evidence, a new assault would be reported. This went on from 2007 to 2008.
Years turned into decades, but no significant advancements were recorded in these serial rape cases. That was until this year, Boston Police made a breakthrough in the case with investigative genetic genealogy and put a potential face on the criminal.
Who Is Matthew Nilo?
Matthew J.Nilo, a former Boston resident from North End, was just 19-20 years old in 2007. He had graduated from one of the high-ranked schools in America– the prestigious Boston Latin School. He later got his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madisson. And he finally got his law degree in 2015 from the University Of San Fransisco.
After a thorough background check, a cyber insurance company, Cowbell Cyber Inc, hired him as an attorney in January 2023. Cowbell has since issued a statement– “Mr. Nilo’s employment at Cowbell has been suspended pending further investigation.”
He has also briefly lived in New York City and Wisconsin; police have urged anyone who has been a victim of Nilo from these cities to come forward in the investigation.
NYC Attorney Sexual Assault Case Explained
Sexual assault kits after a reported case are the most crucial evidence that collects large DNA samples of the perpetrator from the victim’s body. A federal program, “The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative,” has helped to reduce the persistent backlog in recent years and also accounted for solid proof for court proceedings.
The Charlestown serial rape cases were resurrected thanks to the rape kits. Boston PD’s Sexual Assault Unit sought the FBI’s assistance last October.’
The lack of advanced technology before and during Y2K has led to several unsolved cases. However, the Police Department with Special Victim’s Unit is reviving these cases using a DNA analysis with genealogy research that matches the historical records to identify new suspect leads.
Boston FBI Special Agent In Charge Joe Bonavolonta stated–
“To be crystal clear, any crime we attempt to solve through this process must be based upon a final comparison between the crime scene DNA and the DNA from the suspect, and we only get what any other customer using a publicly accessible genealogical service would receive.”
Nilo’s DNA was a match in four separate cases in the Terminal Street Area in April, and his identity was confirmed last month. These cases were reported on-
- 18th August 2007
- 22nd November 2007
- 5th August 2008
- 23rd December 2008
In a recent press conference, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox stated the charges for arresting Matthew Nilo–
- 3 counts of aggravated rape
- 2 counts of kidnapping
- 1 count of assault with an intent to rape
- 1 count of indecent assault and battery
Bonavolonta states that this breakthrough may not be the solace for victims, but his arrest will surely answer questions from 15 years ago. Although the court proceedings may be unpredictable, Boston PD feels accomplished with at least a glimmer of hope for the victims.
Kevin Hayden, Suffolk County District Attorney, told reporters.
“This arrest also highlights the fact that investigators never stop analyzing evidence, collecting information, and running down leads in order to bring dangerous offenders to justice.”
In a similar persistent pursuit, a Texas woman Jennifer Schuett could get closure to her assault and kidnapping case when she was just eight years old and catch the perpetrator after 20 years. The DNA sample and analysis have helped solve several cold cases. And we hope that more unsolved cases are revived for justice.
Since this case is ongoing, we would follow innocent until proven guilty. But what do you think of this case? Do you believe Matthew can be convicted on charges from 15 years ago? What is your prediction on the court hearing?
Let us know your opinions in the comments section below.
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