It Was a Decorative Object in Her Home — Until It Was Used to Kill Her and Allegedly Reveal a Family Betrayal

DNA found in Conch Shell leads to Arrest in Rose Marie Moniz Cold Case

In a shocking turn of events, DNA evidence found inside a decorative conch shell has led to the arrest of a suspect in the cold case murder of Rose Marie Moniz. The tragic incident occurred back in 2001 when 41-year-old Moniz was discovered beaten to death in her home in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Despite the brutal nature of the crime, the case remained unsolved for many years until a breakthrough in 2019 brought a sense of closure to the investigation.

When Moniz was found deceased in her residence, investigators uncovered a number of bloodied items including a fireplace poker, a cast-iron kettle, and a decorative conch shell. Autopsy results revealed the extent of her injuries, indicating skull fractures, broken bones, and severe lacerations to her head. The lack of forced entry and missing money from her purse puzzled authorities, leading to a dead end in the initial stages of the investigation.

Years later, in 2019, the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police Unresolved Crimes Unit reopened the case and revisited the evidence. A pivotal clue emerged from the conch shell, where DNA swabs taken from the interior produced a full profile that matched a familiar individual. The DNA belonged to David Reed, Moniz’s half-brother, who had served as a pallbearer at her funeral.

Reed, with a prior assault conviction, was subsequently indicted on charges of murder and armed robbery in connection to Moniz’s death. Despite pleading not guilty, he remains in custody awaiting trial, marking a significant development in the long-dormant case. The revelation of a familial link between the victim and the suspect added a layer of complexity to the already tragic situation, shedding light on a possible motive that had eluded investigators for years.

Fred Cunha, Moniz’s brother, expressed shock and disbelief at the revelation that the person responsible for his sister’s death was someone intimately connected to their family circle. Reed’s criminal history, including a violent assault in 2003, further underscored the gravity of the situation and raised questions about his motives and actions leading up to Moniz’s untimely demise.

The use of DNA technology, particularly the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), played a pivotal role in linking Reed to the crime scene and building a case against him. The meticulous analysis of forensic evidence and the perseverance of law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation highlight the importance of advancements in forensic science in solving cold cases and delivering justice for victims and their families.

As the legal proceedings unfold and Reed’s trial approaches, the case of Rose Marie Moniz serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of unresolved crimes on loved ones left behind. The arrest of her half-brother in connection to her murder represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice and closure for those affected by the tragic events of that fateful day in 2001.