Matthew J. Vanier, 40, of Gardner, was sentenced to life without parole for the murder and robbery of Randy S. Vaillancourt, 56, also of Gardner. The Worcester County Superior Court jury convicted Vanier of first-degree murder and armed robbery on November 13, according to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation leading to Vanier's conviction began when Gardner Police found Vaillancourt dead in his home on December 9, 2017. The medical examiner ruled the death a murder by blunt-force trauma, and some of his personal items were missing, indicating a robbery.
"Our hope is that the family and loved ones of Mr. Vaillancourt can find some closure in this outcome," District Attorney Early said, echoing the sentiment of a community grappling with the ordeal. As detailed by the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, the successful resolution to the case was a collaborative effort involving not just Gardner Police, but also Massachusetts State Police Detectives, Assistant District Attorneys, and Victim Witness Advocates.
Vanier received a life sentence for murder and a concurrent 20-25 year term for armed robbery. Gardner Police Chief Eric McAvene thanked the Gardner Police Detectives, Massachusetts State Police Detectives, and the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office for their work in resolving the case.
