Murder in Boston (29 page)

January 10: 
The DA’s office announces that a new grand jury will be convened to study the Stuart case.

January 12: 
The new grand jury begins taking testimony in the Stuart case. It recesses until January 31.

January 26: 
Carol’s parents, Giusto and Evelyn DiMaiti, announce the creation of a special foundation in their daughter’s name to provide scholarships to needy students from Mission Hill. Donations quickly top the $250,000 mark.

January 31: 
An assistant in the district attorney’s office files a document in a related case indicating that Willie Bennett is not totally out of the picture as a possible suspect in the Stuart shooting.
Grand jury takes more testimony. Recesses until February 2.

February 2: 
More testimony before the grand jury. The group recesses until February 23.

February 23: 
Grand jury meets again. Recesses for the weekend.

February 26: 
The grand jury is expected to reconvene.

Stop Press

As this book was going to press, a development occurred that is worth noting:

The U.S. attorney in Boston, Wayne Budd, ordered FBI agents to begin a preliminary inquiry into charges that Boston police had coerced witnesses to implicate Willie Bennett in the Stuart shooting. The purpose of the probe is to determine if a more extensive investigation is warranted. Police Commissioner Francis Roache called the action a “very positive step” and said his department would cooperate.

Gallery

Carol and Chuck Stuart seemed like the perfect couple.
(AP/Wide World Photos)

Chuck’s version of the events of October 23rd, 1989. (
Map by Ellen Epstein, based on a map by Bob Monahan
/The Patriot Ledger)

Willie Bennett, the man Stuart picked out of a police line-up and identified as the assailant.
(WCVB-TV/Picture Group)

Chuck Stuart being assisted by rescue personnel in his car the night of the shootings.
(WCVB-TV/Picture Group)

The intersection near Mission Hill where Chuck and Carol were found by rescuers and police on October 23rd.
(Ken Englade)

Pallbearers carry the body of Carol Stuart from St. James Church in Medford after funeral services. Matthew Stuart is at the extreme left.
(AP/Wide World Photos)

Michael Stuart during the family’s news conference on January 11th, 1990.
(AP/Wide World Photos)

Kakas & Sons, furrier at 93 Newbury Street, where Chuck worked.
(Rob Crandall/Picture Group)

Deborah Allen, left, with her attorneys.
(Rob Crandall/Picture Group)

LEFT
: The Tobin Bridge, from which Chuck Stuart allegedly jumped to his death on January 4th, 1990.
(Ken Englade)
.
RIGHT
: Following Chuck Stuart’s death and Matthew Stuart’s revelations, a police diver jumps from a Boston Metropolitan Police boat into the Pine River as the search for the gun used in the October shootings continues.
(AP/Wide World Photos)

Stuart family attorney Richard Clayman, flanked by his clients
(left to right)
Shelly Yandoli, Michael Stuart, Neysa Porter and Mark Stuart, explains to the press that none of them were aware of Chuck’s involvement until after the incident.
(AP/Wide World Photos)