Investigators Again Call on Public’s Help on One Year Anniversary of Homicide of Paul Wilson

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Cambridge Police Commissioner Branville Bard, Jr. are once again asking for the public’s assistance in the ongoing investigation into the fatal assault of Paul Wilson that occurred one year ago today in the New Street area of Danehy Park in Cambridge.

January 2, 2020 marks the one-year anniversary of the homicide of 60-year-old Paul Wilson, a Cambridge resident who resided in an apartment complex near the park and was known to frequently use the park.

“Today we want the public to know that this investigation is still ongoing and that we are still looking to hear from people who may have seen anything unusual on or around January 2nd. To date, investigators have conducted an exhaustive search of the park and a canvas of the neighborhoods surrounding the area.  We are grateful to the members of the community in and around Cambridge who came forward to provide video and witness accounts and we thank everyone who knew and loved Paul who came forward to provide information, but there is still more to be done,” said District Attorney Ryan. 

At approximately 6:48 p.m., on January 2, 2019, the Cambridge Police responded to Danehy Park following a report of what appeared to be a body lying on the paved pathway under a lit street lamp. Upon arrival, police located Mr. Wilson suffering from significant head trauma. He was transported to Beth Israel Hospital where he was pronounced dead as a result of multiple blunt force injuries to his head.

Mr. Wilson was approximately 6’6” tall and was found in a location visible from the parking lot wearing a pair of shorts, a red winter coat, a winter hat and gloves. He was also found with his belongings on him including an Apple Watch suggesting robbery was not the motive.

Investigators determined that on the day of the attack Mr. Wilson took a Blue Bike to and from work at IBM.  He came home from work by arriving at Porter MBTA Station and rode a Blue Bike home and parked it by his house on Sherman Street before walking through the park.

A search of the park following the attack resulted in the collection of several samples of biological matter. Forensic testing has been conducted indicating that some of the blood found at the scene was animal blood, testing on further biological evidence remains ongoing.  Police also located a baseball bat near the scene. At this time there is nothing that connects this item with the crime. 

Since the time of the attack investigators have also been made aware of some similar incidents that have occurred in Cambridge and other communities.  To date, investigators do not believe any of those incidents are connected to the death of Paul Wilson.

As a result of the investigation and with the help of the public, some progress has been made, but a suspect has not been identified at this time.  For this reason, today police and prosecutors are again asking anyone with any information related to this incident to contact Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office at (781) 897-6600. Tips may be anonymous.

The Cambridge Police can also be reached at 617-349-3300. Those who wish to provide information anonymously may dial the Cambridge Police Anonymous Crime Tip Hotline at 617-349-3359 and leave a message. Anonymous tips may also be sent via the Cambridge Police MyPD mobile app or via text message to 847411. Begin your text with TIP650 and then type your message. To send anonymous tips via e-mail, please visit www.cambridgepolice.org/tips. 

This incident continues to be investigated by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the Cambridge Police Department and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

Photos of Paul are available here.

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