Police Discover Body of Man Last Seen at Motel 6 in Northborough

Police discovered the body presumed to be that of a 19-year-old Worcester man on Tuesday in Providence, RI, not far from the apartment of the two suspects charged in his disappearance, according Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

It is believed that Joseph P. Webster of 104 Brattle St., Worcester, reported missing by his family on March 13, was found in a storage container on Wesleyan Avenue. The body was discovered by a Rhode Island State Police K-9 unit.

The Rhode Island Chief Medical Examiner has accepted the case and will conduct an autopsy.

“We hope that the extended Webster family can bring their son home,” Early said. “We are still investigating the case and may bring further charges soon.”

Lara Cori, 22, and James Howze, 19, both of 37 Harvard Ave., Providence, RI were arraigned on Monday on charges connected to Webster’s disappearance.

Cori was indicted last week and arraigned in Worcester Superior Court on charges of armed robbery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, larceny of a motor vehicle and armed assault with intent to murder. She is held without bail.

Howze was arraigned in Westborough District Court on charges of assault and
battery with a dangerous weapon (knife) and larceny of a motor vehicle. He is held on $1 million bail and his case was continued to May 2.

Investigators determined that the two suspects and the victim were together in Room 214 at the Motel 6 on Route 9. The room was searched and evidence was seized.

The suspects fled to Colonie, NY, where they were arrested. They were returned to Massachusetts this week to face the charges.

State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, detectives in Colonie, NY, Providence, Cranston, RI and worked on the investigation, which is continuing.