investigators | business fraud | criminal defenseWAD Investigator of the Year awarded...
Oct.17.2023
This really caught me off guard - honored to be named 2023 Investigator of the Year at the 98th Annual Conference of the World Association of Detectives in beautiful Vancouver, Canada. I had the mistaken impression the winners were informed beforehand, so when the dinner came, I was well into some fine red wine when I heard the words "investigator from Boston" and "also a writer". Fixed my tie and cleaned up quick.
Thank you to WAD for recognizing investigators like me working on wrongful convictions. Exonerees like Raymond Gaines and others inspire us all! Keep working, keep dreaming, keep fighting...
And I should add that the tremendous outcome was also due to fine work by staff investigator Jill Vaglica. Innocence cases are successful when you work as a team.
Thank you to WAD for recognizing investigators like me working on wrongful convictions. Exonerees like Raymond Gaines and others inspire us all! Keep working, keep dreaming, keep fighting...
And I should add that the tremendous outcome was also due to fine work by staff investigator Jill Vaglica. Innocence cases are successful when you work as a team.
Exoneree Victor Rosario settles case for $13 million....
Jul.01.2023
In May 2023, the City of Lowell admitted their errors and partially compensated former client Victor Rosario for his wrongful conviction - $13 million, the 2nd highest settlement in New England.
It has been a long time coming. I was part of the team that freed Victor Rosario in 2014, after spending 32 years behind bars for a 1982 fire that killed eight people. Victor was at the scene helping people escape the fire. Instead of being lauded for his actions, he was charged and convicted after an error-filled, circus investigation. And at the end, a man who was once a client, is now a friend, showed tremendous compassion and grace, saying "If I don’t forgive those who do wrong to me, then my life will be always in prison. And I don't want that— I want to be free!”
Victor, his wife Beverly, and those like him are special people. I went to Chicago a few weeks later to celebrate with him, lawyer Mark Loevy-Reyes, and the rest of the fine legal team. We walked the shore of the lake and talked deep into the night. Shot pool, ate well, relaxed.Victor even purchased a local landmark; now known as ROSARIO TOWER. His time has arrived.
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It has been a long time coming. I was part of the team that freed Victor Rosario in 2014, after spending 32 years behind bars for a 1982 fire that killed eight people. Victor was at the scene helping people escape the fire. Instead of being lauded for his actions, he was charged and convicted after an error-filled, circus investigation. And at the end, a man who was once a client, is now a friend, showed tremendous compassion and grace, saying "If I don’t forgive those who do wrong to me, then my life will be always in prison. And I don't want that— I want to be free!”
Victor, his wife Beverly, and those like him are special people. I went to Chicago a few weeks later to celebrate with him, lawyer Mark Loevy-Reyes, and the rest of the fine legal team. We walked the shore of the lake and talked deep into the night. Shot pool, ate well, relaxed.Victor even purchased a local landmark; now known as ROSARIO TOWER. His time has arrived.
. . Judge tosses out Raymond Gaines' 1976 murder conviction...
Dec.22.2022
This one came unexpectedly at the end of December, and we are trilled to see Ray Gaines out and about Boston (and shopping at the same hat shop as the owner of this PI firm). Ray's case involves a critical and disturbing juncture of Boston.
Gaines was sentenced to life in prison for the 1974 armed robbery and murder of Peter Sulfaro, the owner of a shoe repair shop in Roxbury. The defense investigation showed the witness identification of Gaines was "...the result of unduly suggestive police procedures". Errors included multiple viewings of photo arrays; police telling a witness he "picked the wrong people" - and then showing the same array with only the new suspects added. Newly discovered Brady material including Boston police records showing Det. Peter O'Malley arrested "drug shooting gallery" operator David Bass even while securing Bass's false affidavit (Bass faced criminal charges even while testifying against Gaines). Bass himself later recanted his testimony against Gaines in 1990. "The Commonwealth did not disclose the Bass affidavit for nearly 30 years--despite its obligation to do so."
Gaines was sentenced to life in prison for the 1974 armed robbery and murder of Peter Sulfaro, the owner of a shoe repair shop in Roxbury. The defense investigation showed the witness identification of Gaines was "...the result of unduly suggestive police procedures". Errors included multiple viewings of photo arrays; police telling a witness he "picked the wrong people" - and then showing the same array with only the new suspects added. Newly discovered Brady material including Boston police records showing Det. Peter O'Malley arrested "drug shooting gallery" operator David Bass even while securing Bass's false affidavit (Bass faced criminal charges even while testifying against Gaines). Bass himself later recanted his testimony against Gaines in 1990. "The Commonwealth did not disclose the Bass affidavit for nearly 30 years--despite its obligation to do so."
It is OVER - James Watson Free After 41 Years
Dec.05.2020
61-year-old James J. Watson, the second man convicted for the 1979 murder of Jeffrey Boyajian of Swampscott, had his conviction overturned on November 5, 2020. Watson served more than 41 years in prison for a crime that he did not commit. Here is a video with interviews of James and his lawyers and investigators.
Although Watson was serving a sentence of life without the possibility of parole, he had been released from prison in April 2020 due to the strength of his wrongful conviction claims and the danger he faced of developing severe illness due to coronavirus. But the final court hearing on his murder conviction remained.
Then Watson's legal team got the news—it was over. Watson's conviction was overturned and prosecutors dismissed all charges against him. Watson's family and legal team met at his sister's apartment and planned a surprise party to break the news.
Watson's investigator, John Nardizzi of Nahant, devised a plan to get Watson out of the house for a few hours. On an unseasonably warm November afternoon, Nardizzi took Watson and his son, Donjuan Moses, shopping for clothes. They selected a lavender shirt to go with Watson's new custom suit. “I don't recognize that man,” joked Watson as he looked in the mirror at his new outfit, a decided upgrade from prison garb. “I could take Biden's job.”
When Watson came home, the surprise party was joyous as the family and legal team celebrated and sipped champagne. "All that matters to me is I get to comfort my dad now and do things with my dad now," said Moses.
Nardizzi and his team conducted critical investigation into the case, securing key affidavits from several witnesses. A Suffolk Superior Court judge cited evidence and "questions raised in this case of: hypnosis of identification witnesses . . and the potential testimony, rewards, and inducements of a highly inculpatory trial witness.”
Watson’s co-defendant, Frederick Clay, was exonerated 3 years ago after serving 38 years behind bars for the killing of Boyajian, a crime he maintained for decades he did not commit. But Watson's case lingered until a legal team came together to exonerate him.
"Jimmy Watson has a special strength to make it this far with mind, body and soul intact," said Nardizzi. He credited staff investigator Jill Vaglica with conducting several important witness interviews in the Watson case. "These cases are incredibly difficult to win and require a dedicated team of investigators, lawyers and experts. We had that team here. We are all thrilled for the Watson family," said Nardizzi.
Watson's attorney, Barbara Munro, said. “The greatest injustice is to take an innocent man away from his son and family," "This could have been prevented here if the then-prosecutor had not withheld from the defense the fact that the eyewitnesses were hypnotized prior to their identifications of Mr. Watson, rendering them unreliable.”
Co-counsel Madeline Blanchette added, “It is impossible to undo the intergenerational trauma that this wrongful conviction inflicted on Mr. Watson and his family, but his exoneration now means that there is still opportunity for healing,"
Watson’s co-defendant, Frederick Clay, was exonerated 3 years ago after serving 38 years behind bars for the killing of Boyajian, a crime he maintained for decades he did not commit.
Watson’s case was supported by Radha Natarajan, Director of the New England Innocence Project. Kristin Dame, Director of Private Social Work Services at the Committee for Public Counsel Services, provided reentry support services to Watson.
Dr. Mary Bassett of The Sentencing Project and Katharine Naples-Mitchell of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice at Harvard Law School also filed an amicus brief in support of Watson.
Although Watson was serving a sentence of life without the possibility of parole, he had been released from prison in April 2020 due to the strength of his wrongful conviction claims and the danger he faced of developing severe illness due to coronavirus. But the final court hearing on his murder conviction remained.
Then Watson's legal team got the news—it was over. Watson's conviction was overturned and prosecutors dismissed all charges against him. Watson's family and legal team met at his sister's apartment and planned a surprise party to break the news.
Watson's investigator, John Nardizzi of Nahant, devised a plan to get Watson out of the house for a few hours. On an unseasonably warm November afternoon, Nardizzi took Watson and his son, Donjuan Moses, shopping for clothes. They selected a lavender shirt to go with Watson's new custom suit. “I don't recognize that man,” joked Watson as he looked in the mirror at his new outfit, a decided upgrade from prison garb. “I could take Biden's job.”
When Watson came home, the surprise party was joyous as the family and legal team celebrated and sipped champagne. "All that matters to me is I get to comfort my dad now and do things with my dad now," said Moses.
Nardizzi and his team conducted critical investigation into the case, securing key affidavits from several witnesses. A Suffolk Superior Court judge cited evidence and "questions raised in this case of: hypnosis of identification witnesses . . and the potential testimony, rewards, and inducements of a highly inculpatory trial witness.”
Watson’s co-defendant, Frederick Clay, was exonerated 3 years ago after serving 38 years behind bars for the killing of Boyajian, a crime he maintained for decades he did not commit. But Watson's case lingered until a legal team came together to exonerate him.
"Jimmy Watson has a special strength to make it this far with mind, body and soul intact," said Nardizzi. He credited staff investigator Jill Vaglica with conducting several important witness interviews in the Watson case. "These cases are incredibly difficult to win and require a dedicated team of investigators, lawyers and experts. We had that team here. We are all thrilled for the Watson family," said Nardizzi.
Watson's attorney, Barbara Munro, said. “The greatest injustice is to take an innocent man away from his son and family," "This could have been prevented here if the then-prosecutor had not withheld from the defense the fact that the eyewitnesses were hypnotized prior to their identifications of Mr. Watson, rendering them unreliable.”
Co-counsel Madeline Blanchette added, “It is impossible to undo the intergenerational trauma that this wrongful conviction inflicted on Mr. Watson and his family, but his exoneration now means that there is still opportunity for healing,"
Watson’s co-defendant, Frederick Clay, was exonerated 3 years ago after serving 38 years behind bars for the killing of Boyajian, a crime he maintained for decades he did not commit.
Watson’s case was supported by Radha Natarajan, Director of the New England Innocence Project. Kristin Dame, Director of Private Social Work Services at the Committee for Public Counsel Services, provided reentry support services to Watson.
Dr. Mary Bassett of The Sentencing Project and Katharine Naples-Mitchell of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice at Harvard Law School also filed an amicus brief in support of Watson.
Who says there are limits?
Sep.11.2020
Who says there are limits? Limits on what you achieve? With friend & client Victor Rosario, free after 32 years; Tony Mazza, free after 47 years. Truth, faith, strength, hope ... Outlast the injustice.
By the way, Victor makes handmade wood cat boxes, call us to order one from him. ππΊ
By the way, Victor makes handmade wood cat boxes, call us to order one from him. ππΊ
James Watson is coming home - motion for new trial π₯π₯π₯ππΌππΌππΌ
Apr.16.2020
61-year-old James Watson was released from MCI-Norfolk last Thursday after serving more than 41 years in prison for a crime that he did not commit. Nardizzi & Associates Inc. conducted critical investigation into the case, securing key affidavits from several witnesses. A Suffolk Superior Court judge credited the investigation with "questions raised in this case of hypnosis of identification witnesses" and "the potential testimony, rewards, and inducements of a highly inculpatory trial witness, [which] raise significant and potentially successful issues." The Suffolk Superior Court issued an order on April 16 allowing Watson to be released from prison while his motion for a new trial is considered. The request was not opposed by Suffolk County DA Rollins’s office.
"Jimmy Watson has a special strength to make it this far with mind, body and soul intact," said Nardizzi, whose investigations firm whose investigations firm has helped free 5 clients in the past year after long prison sentences. He credited staff investigator Jill Vaglica with conducting several important witness interviews in the Watson case. "These cases are incredibly difficult to win and require a dedicated team of PIs and lawyers and experts. We're thrilled for the Watson family," said Nardizzi.
Watson also noted the urgency needed in his release due to his medical conditions and age. The factors put him at risk of severe illness and death due to the coronavirus pandemic. Watson was convicted in 1984 of murdering taxi driver Jeffrey Boyajian in Roslindale. He has maintained his innocence since his arrest in 1979, attorneys Barbara Munro and Madeline Blanchette said in a statement. “We are grateful to the court for making it possible for Mr. Watson to be released to seek the urgent medical care he needs,” Munro said in the statement. “What a gift and a privilege to witness this amazing man walk out of prison after 40 years, with his sense of humor and compassion for others still intact.”
The case against Frederick Clay, Watson’s codefendant, was vacated three years ago after former Suffolk District Attorney Dan Conley’s office "raised significant doubt as to the fairness of his trial." Hypnosis had been used to aid witnesses in Clay's trial as well. The practice is not considered a reliable scientific technique in aiding witness memory.
Watson's legal team will continue to work to exonerate him in the coming months as the state conducts an investigation into his case. Watson will spend time out of prison “regaining his health and rebuilding his life after decades of separation from his beloved family,” the attorneys’ statement said.
“I have waited 40 years already, so waiting a few more months is easy. The truth will set me free,” Watson said in the statement.
"Jimmy Watson has a special strength to make it this far with mind, body and soul intact," said Nardizzi, whose investigations firm whose investigations firm has helped free 5 clients in the past year after long prison sentences. He credited staff investigator Jill Vaglica with conducting several important witness interviews in the Watson case. "These cases are incredibly difficult to win and require a dedicated team of PIs and lawyers and experts. We're thrilled for the Watson family," said Nardizzi.
Watson also noted the urgency needed in his release due to his medical conditions and age. The factors put him at risk of severe illness and death due to the coronavirus pandemic. Watson was convicted in 1984 of murdering taxi driver Jeffrey Boyajian in Roslindale. He has maintained his innocence since his arrest in 1979, attorneys Barbara Munro and Madeline Blanchette said in a statement. “We are grateful to the court for making it possible for Mr. Watson to be released to seek the urgent medical care he needs,” Munro said in the statement. “What a gift and a privilege to witness this amazing man walk out of prison after 40 years, with his sense of humor and compassion for others still intact.”
The case against Frederick Clay, Watson’s codefendant, was vacated three years ago after former Suffolk District Attorney Dan Conley’s office "raised significant doubt as to the fairness of his trial." Hypnosis had been used to aid witnesses in Clay's trial as well. The practice is not considered a reliable scientific technique in aiding witness memory.
Watson's legal team will continue to work to exonerate him in the coming months as the state conducts an investigation into his case. Watson will spend time out of prison “regaining his health and rebuilding his life after decades of separation from his beloved family,” the attorneys’ statement said.
“I have waited 40 years already, so waiting a few more months is easy. The truth will set me free,” Watson said in the statement.
It is over: Murder charges dropped on Cifizzari case
Dec.10.2019
It is over. Murder charge were dropped against Gary Cifizzari in killing of his 75-year-old great-aunt in Milford 40 years ago. Thank you to all the people who cooperated in the investigation to clear our client’s name - 35 years later.
Breaking news - Worcester Superior Court - Hit on a DNA sample in 1979 murder case,
May.31.2019
Breaking news - Worcester Superior Court: Hit on a DNA sample in 1979 murder case. The New England Innocence Project, assisted by investigators at Nardizzi & Associates Inc., announced Friday they are seeking Gary Cifizzari’s release pending a new trial after DNA evidence linked a deceased Rhode Island man to the murder of Constance Schiappa in 1979.
DNA matched that of Michael J. Giroux, an Army veteran who was drinking at a bar just minutes away from Schiappa's apartment in downtown Milford on the night of the murder. Nardizzi's investigation revealed that Giroux went on to lead a life of deceit— a bank robber and conman who committed crimes throughout his life, including murder, armed robbery, and who stole money from friends and family. Moreover, Giroux was also a State Police and FBI informant. He was interviewed by police just days after the murder of Mrs. Schiappa. Police missed signs of Giroux's culpability and instead focused on the Cifizzari brothers, Gary and Michael.
DNA matched that of Michael J. Giroux, an Army veteran who was drinking at a bar just minutes away from Schiappa's apartment in downtown Milford on the night of the murder. Nardizzi's investigation revealed that Giroux went on to lead a life of deceit— a bank robber and conman who committed crimes throughout his life, including murder, armed robbery, and who stole money from friends and family. Moreover, Giroux was also a State Police and FBI informant. He was interviewed by police just days after the murder of Mrs. Schiappa. Police missed signs of Giroux's culpability and instead focused on the Cifizzari brothers, Gary and Michael.
What does a PI do on a DNA case?
Jun.01.2019
The Gary Cifizzari case is one of the most satisfying professionally speaking. An innocent man goes free at last. Got lots of queries about what a PI does on a DNA case... Interviews— cases are about storytelling. Put flesh & bones on the real killer— he was at the scene, knew victim, long history of uncontrollable violence. A life of deception.
Talk with exonerated client Victor Rosario - Nahant Library
Mar.24.2019
Enjoy the film "Shawshank Redemption"? Come hear the story of Victor Rosario, an innocent man who spent over 3 decades in prison after being convicted of arson in 1983. Victor will be speaking with his wife Beverly Rosario, his attorney Andrea Petersen, and his PI (me) on Sat. March 30, 4 PM.
It is over: No retrial for client in Lowell blaze
Sep.16.2017
Client Victor Rosario, who spent over three decades years in prison before convictions for arson and eight counts of murder were overturned, will not be retried according to the District Attorney Marian Ryan. Superior Court Judge Kathe Tuttman overturned Rosario's convictions in 2014, based partly on new forensic science cast doubt on whether the fire was actually arson as well as other factors in our re-investigation of the case.
Mr. Rosario is now married and works as a minister in Dorchester.
Mr. Rosario is now married and works as a minister in Dorchester.
Client freed after 3 decades in prison
Jul.29.2014
In July 2014, client Victor Rosario was freed after spending 32 years behind bars for a 1982 arson fire that killed eight people. A Middlesex Superior Court judge overturned Victor Rosario's one arson and eight murder convictions based on advances in arson forensics as well as major errors in the handling of the investigation, including interviews done with witnesses and Rosario himself.