An 82-year-old Groveland man, Patsy "Pat" Schena, was found bludgeoned and stabbed to death inside his home back in June 2019. Nearly five years later, justice appears to have been attained as a Haverhill man, Leedell Graham, has been convicted of the murder. According to a WCVB report, Graham was found guilty of first-degree murder with extreme atrocity or cruelty and breaking and entering with intent to commit larceny over $1,200.
The trial revealed that Graham had entered the Schena's home to burglarize it and subsequently murdered the homeowner upon his return. A statement obtained by Boston 25 News detailed the evidence presented at court, including video footage of Graham at the crime scene and DNA findings tying him to the heinous act. Officials stated at the time of the murder that Schena and Graham were acquainted through a private business transaction.
Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker was quoted saying, "While no one can undo this horrific murder, we hope that the verdict in this case brings Mr. Schena’s family some small measure of peace in the knowledge that justice has been served," as reported by WCVB. Schena, a former Groveland building inspector and U.S. Army veteran, was remembered for his work in the community as a carpenter and his role as a caring father and grandfather. The community recalled Schena as a "gentleman," with Groveland Police Chief Jeffrey Gillian expressing the profound impact of his loss on the town.
Multiple law enforcement officials and legal staff were acknowledged by Tucker for their efforts in bringing the verdict to pass, including members of the Groveland Police, Massachusetts State Police, and the prosecuting team. Judge Kathleen McCarthy-Neyman presided over the trial, with sentencing for Graham set for Friday morning in Salem Superior Court, as reported by WCVB. Groveland, located about 34 miles north of Boston, is a small town where such violent crimes stand in stark contrast to its typically peaceful day-to-day life.
