A New Hampshire photographer has been arrested and charged in connection with a brutal rape that occurred more than 30 years ago, authorities announced this week.
Darrell Lavoie, 59, of Nashua, appeared in Essex County Superior Court in Massachusetts on Monday, Nov. 17, where prosecutors detailed the alleged November 1991 attack. According to the Essex County District Attorney’s office, Lavoie is accused of lying in wait inside a woman’s home in Peabody, Mass., before blindfolding her and raping her at knifepoint on Nov. 12, 1991.
Assistant District Attorney Jessica Strasnick told the court the woman has spent more than three decades living in fear with no idea who assaulted her. “The victim has been looking over her shoulder for 34 years,” she said.
Although the case went cold for decades, investigators reportedly identified Lavoie early on. According to WMUR, Lavoie’s then-girlfriend contacted the victim shortly after the attack, saying she had found a bag under her porch containing items that alarmed her. Prosecutors said the bag contained duct tape, a hood with cut-out eye holes, a knife, and a rag. When she confronted Lavoie, he allegedly claimed the items were for hunting.
The girlfriend also happened to be a friend of the victim, according to the outlet.
Investigators followed up on the lead, but Lavoie declined to provide DNA in the early stages of the investigation. With advancements in forensic technology, police were recently able to obtain a DNA match that prosecutors say links him to the assault.
Despite the long-running investigation, Lavoie appears to have lived a quiet life in the decades since. A LinkedIn profile matching his name and photo lists him as an Army veteran and photographer based in Nashua. In 2021, he raised funds on Facebook for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Lavoie is now charged with rape, aggravated rape, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and breaking and entering, the DA’s office said. His bail was set at $100,000, and he has been ordered to stay away from the victim. Court documents show he has pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to The Boston Globe.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 9.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected with a certified crisis counselor.
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