SWAMPSCOTT — The Police Department took a moment on Monday to remember the 50th anniversary of the homicide of 15-year-old Henry Bedard Jr., a murder that has remained unsolved since 1974.
As a gesture of remembrance and respect for Bedard Jr., the department displayed a huge banner outside the front of the Police Station on Humphrey Street, with the same message the department posted on its Facebook page, saying in big red letters, “WE NEED YOUR HELP SOLVING THIS CASE”.
The Police Department also hung up a traffic sign on Humphrey Street, located near the Lynn/Swampscott town line, in order to help boost communal awareness about Bedard Jr.’s case.
Last seen on Dec. 16, 1974, Bedard. Jr. was walking quickly on Paradise Road after he had gone Christmas shopping in Vinnin Square, according to a press release from the District Attorney’s office. The next day, his body was discovered in a wooded area of town commonly known as “Kite Hill” or “Swampscott View,” located behind the present-day Department of Public Works building.
Near Bedard Jr.’s body, police discovered a baseball bat lying close to the victim. The police documented unique markings on the handle of the bat, according to the press release.
Bedard. Jr. was a student-athlete at Swampscott High School, played Little League Baseball, Big Blue Football, and worked at his father’s service station on High Street in Danvers, according to the press release.
“Henry Bedard Jr.’s case may be 50 years old, but it has never been forgotten,” Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said. “As we renew our push for information about this horrendous crime, it’s important for people to know that it’s never too late to come forward with anything that may be relevant to the case and circumstances around Henry’s death.”
Anybody with information regarding the homicide of Bedard Jr. is asked to contact Swampscott Police Detective Sgt. Candace Doyle at 781-595-1111. Residents can also contact Massachusetts State Trooper Matt Murphy, at 978-745-8908.
