Public’s Assistance Sought in Apparent Cambridge Homicide

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Cambridge Police Commissioner Branville Bard Jr. are asking for the public’s assistance regarding the ongoing investigation into last night’s fatal incident that occurred in the New Street area of Danehy Park. This incident is being investigated as a homicide.

The victim has been identified as Paul Wilson, 60, of Cambridge. Mr. Wilson resided in a nearby apartment complex and was known to frequently use the park for both recreation and to walk to work.

The preliminary investigation suggests that the victim died as a result of blunt force trauma and that robbery does not appear to have been a motive.

Mr. Wilson, pictured below, was approximately 6’6” tall and was found wearing a pair of shorts, a red winter coat, a winter hat and gloves. Individuals who were in the vicinity of New Street or Danehy Park between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., who may have noticed the victim last night are encouraged to come forward.

Members of the public are also encouraged to exercise caution in the areas surrounding the park. At this point in the investigation, authorities have not determined if this attack was random or targeted.

At approximately 6:48 p.m., yesterday Cambridge Police responded to the New Street side of Danehy Park for a report of an unresponsive male. The victim was discovered on a pathway by a passerby who subsequently called police.

Upon arrival, police determined that the victim was suffering from significant head trauma. The victim was transported to Beth Israel Hospital where he was pronounced dead at approximately 10:18 p.m.

An autopsy of the victim is being performed today. This case has been referred to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine cause and manner of death.

Anyone with any information related to this incident may contact Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office at (781) 897-6600. Tips may be anonymous.

Cambridge Police can 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 is being investigated by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the Cambridge Police Department and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

To watch an archive of the January 3rd press conference on this incident, please see: camb.ma/2F4HiDI. 

The victim in last night’s #CambMA homicide has been identified as Paul Wilson, 60, of Cambridge. Mr. Wilson was in the park last night before 7 pm wearing shorts & a red jacket. Anyone w/ info should contact police ⁦@CambridgePolice⁩ https://t.co/fPfDoowyFP pic.twitter.com/hA6q6TmR7y

— DA Marian Ryan (@DAMarianRyan) January 3, 2019