Police team to launch search in 2016 Sturbridge cold case
Mar 16, 2025
STURBRIDGE, Mass. (WWLP) - The Massachusetts State Police, in collaboration with local police departments, is reopening a cold case from 2016 in a planned investigation beginning Friday.
The Sturbridge Police Department said that on September 16, 2016, officers received a domestic dispute report
in the area of 35 Vinton Road. Holland officers and state troopers also arrived at the location for assistance.
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The suspect, identified as Brent Young of Sturbridge (who was 42 at the time), allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and stabbed his 16-year-old son. The incident reportedly began in the home and extended into the lawn. Young then allegedly stabbed himself in the neck and ran into the woods behind the house.
Courtesy of the Sturbridge Police Department.
State troopers spent three days searching for Young, using all modern technology available at the time, such as Air Wing, Mounted Units, K-9 Units, and Drone Units. However, Young was never found.
Sturbridge Police said that technology advancements in mapping software can now provide a more detailed analysis of the area and determine where Young may have escaped.
The department said that the search is focused on locating human remains rather than a live individual, due to the date of the case and the nature of the injuries Young sustained.
Last Friday, Sturbridge Police Chief Earl Dessert announced that on March 21, members of Sturbridge Police will be conducting a grid search in the Vinton Road area. The Massachusetts State Police Special Emergency Response Team, Mass. Search and Rescue K-9 Teams, CEMLEC Drone Units, and the Sturbridge Community Emergency Response Team will also be assisting the investigation.
Residents in the area should expect heavy police presence in the areas of Old Sturbridge Village Access Road, Vinton Road Leadmine Road, and Haynes Street from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
If you have any information regarding the case or Young's whereabouts, please contact 508-347-2525 ext. 315.
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