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Arrests made at house that exploded |
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Sunday, 06 July 2008 |
CUMBERLAND — The former home of a couple found dead following a fire and apparent murder-suicide in April was also the site of five arrests following an attempted robbery last week, police said.
According to a police report, officers were dispatched to 500 Nate Whipple Highway at approximately 12:15 p.m., where they found and arrested five adults who had attempted to steal items from the property, claiming at first to be relatives of its deceased former owners. All five were charged with larceny over $500, willful trespass and breaking and entering other building with criminal intent, according to police.
The arrested individuals were identified by police as: Christy Leblanc, 30, of 156 Bear Hill Road, 123, Cumberland; Hope Oxx, 52, of 133 Summer Street, Central
Falls; Evelyn M. Ostrowsky, 55, of 156 Bear Hill Road, 120, Cumberland; Manuel De Medeiros, 56, also of 133 Summer Street and Michael Dionne, 37, of 124 Samuel Avenue, Pawtucket.
Upon arrival, an officer reported seeing two vehicles on the property- a blue minivan backed up near a shed and a red Chevrolet Blazer in the driveway. According to the officer’s report, the two male suspects were seen putting a red Craftsman toolbox in the minivan, while other portions of the toolbox were reportedly found in the Blazer and the shed.
When questioned, Ostrowsky claimed that she and the other suspects had come to the property on behalf of surviving relatives of the property’s former owners. It was discovered by police that the Blazer’s registration plate had been “altered with black electrical tape,” which Ostrowsky reportedly claimed she had done “so she could park at the beach.”
The reporting officer indicated that none of the suspects “could tell me who they were related to and why they were supposed to be there.” When contacted by a police dispatcher, a relative of the home’s former owners reportedly told police she did not know any of the suspects, and that they did not have permission to be on the property. Ostrowsky allegedly admitted that they had heard about the property and had decided to drive there and take items from it.
In addition to the toolbox, police reported finding “a bag with camouflage pants in it,” which Dionne allegedly admitted to taking. Both vehicle were towed to the police department’s impound lot, along with the stolen items, police said.
According to court records, Dionne and De Medeiros were released on personal recognizance, with both due in the sixth district court for a pre-arraignment disposition conference. Oxx, Leblanc and Ostrowsky, meanwhile, were processed and released with summons for district court, where they are due to appear on July 9.
The home at 500 Nate Whipple Highway had previously been owned by Norman and Beatrice Langelier. The home was destroyed in April by an explosion, which police believe was set by Norman Langelier after apparently shooting his wife.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 10 July 2008 )
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