Dark Downeast: The Murder of Charlene Rosemond (Massachusetts)
Host: audiochuck
Release Date: January 2, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "The Murder of Charlene Rosemond," Kylie Low, an investigative journalist and storyteller, delves deep into the tragic and unsolved homicide of Charlene Rosemond from Everett, Massachusetts. This episode, part of the Dark Downeast podcast series, meticulously examines the events leading up to Charlene's disappearance, the subsequent investigation, and the lingering questions that have left her family and the community yearning for answers.

Background: Charlene Rosemond

Charlene Rosemond was a 23-year-old woman living in Everett, Massachusetts. On the morning of April 7, 2009, she began her day as usual, heading to her job at the Herb Chambers Car Dealership on Commonwealth Avenue in Brighton. Known for her reliability and responsibility, Charlene was a beloved member of her family and community, making her sudden disappearance all the more alarming.

The Day of the Disappearance

On April 7, 2009, Charlene planned to purchase a new car to gain her independence. She had meticulously saved $4,000 in cash to buy a Lexus Alexis she admired, believing she could get it at a discounted price. Her excitement was palpable, as this purchase symbolized a significant step towards her future, including moving out of her parents' house and fulfilling her role as a bridesmaid for her sister's upcoming wedding.

Timeline of Events:

• 7:00 AM: Charlene left her home in Everett, driving her parents' gray Honda Civic to work.
• 5:00 PM: After her workday, she called home, informing her mother that she needed to return the car by 6 or 7 PM as her father required it.
• 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Charlene failed to return home as promised. Her parents waited but saw no sign of her vehicle.
• Next Morning: Concerned by her prolonged absence and missed work, Charlene's family reported her missing to the Everett Police Station.

Family’s Immediate Actions

Charlene's sister, Rosalie "Rosie", was the first to recognize the severity of the situation. Despite occasional late nights out, Rosie knew Charlene's dependable nature and grew increasingly anxious as days passed without any contact or signs of her sister.

Rosie took proactive steps to investigate Charlene's disappearance:

• Contacting Friends: Rosie reached out to mutual friends to determine Charlene's last known whereabouts.
• Unresponsive Contacts: Many friends appeared unconcerned or indifferent, suggesting Charlene might have been intoxicated or simply chose not to return home.
• Self-Investigation: Frustrated by the lack of concern from Charlene's acquaintances, Rosie undertook her own investigation, believing that someone knew more about her sister's disappearance.

Investigation Begins

The Everett Police struggled initially, as adult missing person cases typically require a 48-hour waiting period before a report can be officially filed. However, Rosie's persistence highlighted the urgency of the situation.

Key Developments:

• Missing Person Alert: On April 10, 2009, the Everett Police issued a missing person alert, indicating Charlene was last seen leaving work around 5 PM on April 7.
• Bank Account Activity: Investigators noted two transactions on Charlene's debit card on the day of her disappearance, potentially linked to her planned car purchase.
• Cell Phone Status: Charlene's cell phone was found turned off, complicating efforts to trace her movements.

Discovery of the Body

Six days after Charlene's disappearance, on April 13, 2009, a devastating breakthrough occurred:

• Location: Charlene's body was discovered in the driver's seat of her gray Honda Civic parked behind an apartment building at 10 Webster Avenue in Somerville.
• Cause of Death: An autopsy revealed Charlene died from a single gunshot wound to the head, classifying her death as a homicide.
• Suspicious Activity: The car had been parked in a secluded area for the entire duration of her disappearance, raising questions about how it remained unnoticed for so long.

Suspects and Investigation Developments

The investigation took a complex turn as authorities sought to identify those responsible for Charlene's murder:

Primary Suspects:

• Unnamed Individual: Based on forensic evidence, including bullet trajectory and potential DNA, investigators believed Charlene was shot by someone seated in the backseat, suggesting the presence of another person.

• Dawkins Joseph: A key witness, Dawkins provided conflicting testimonies about his whereabouts on the night of the murder. Initially claiming to have been with a primary suspect, his stories contained inconsistencies that led to his arrest for perjury on May 8, 2009. Dawkins was later convicted and sentenced to two and a half years in prison for lying under oath.

Evidence and Leads:

• Missing Cash: The $4,000 Charlene carried was never found, indicating a possible motive for robbery.

• Witness Testimonies: Friends and acquaintances provided fragmented accounts, with some displaying an unusual lack of concern for Charlene's disappearance.

• Social Media Post: An anonymous post on Lipstick Alley hinted at insider knowledge regarding Charlene's murder, suggesting the involvement of someone from her past who had remained silent.

Community Silence and Media Attention

Rosie observed a troubling pattern within Charlene's community: a pervasive silence among those who might hold vital information. Friends who were expected to support her family during the search were notably absent at Charlene's funeral, deepening suspicions about their true involvement or knowledge of the events.

The Dark Downeast podcast emphasizes this community silence, portraying it as a significant barrier to solving the case. Rosie expressed her frustration and hope that bringing attention to the case through the podcast would encourage someone with knowledge to come forward.

Unsolved Case and Appeals for Information

Fifteen years after Charlene's murder, the case remains unresolved. The episode underscores the importance of public assistance in providing closure for Charlene's family. Rosie’s heartfelt plea resonates throughout the narrative:

"Justice will come. Justice will come. You know what you did. God knows what you did. Some of your people know what you did. But you cannot get away with it. You will not get away with it."
— Rosie Rosemond, timestamp [34:50]

This powerful message underscores the family's unwavering belief that truth and justice are attainable, even after years of silence and uncertainty.

Comparative Cases and Theories

Kylie Low explores similar cases where individuals were targeted under the guise of vehicle sales, suggesting a possible pattern in Charlene's murder:

• El Rey and June Bud Runyon (2015, Georgia): A couple was murdered by Ronnie J. Adrian Townes during a car purchase meeting.

• Joseph and Jocelyn Rowland (2020, Colorado): The couple was killed by Kyrie Brown under suspicious circumstances related to a car sale.

• Carlos Carrazana Ricardo (2023, Maryland): Marques Harris allegedly shot Ricardo as he attempted to leave after inspecting a car.

These cases highlight a disturbing trend where seemingly ordinary transactions evolve into lethal encounters, raising questions about whether Charlene's case fits within this pattern.

Conclusion and Messages from Rosie

The episode culminates with a poignant reflection on what Charlene lost beyond her life:

Charlene's aspirations—owning a car, moving out, being a bridesmaid, and witnessing her nephew's birth—were abruptly taken away. The unresolved nature of her murder continues to cast a shadow over her family, particularly Rosie, who remains a vocal advocate for justice.

Rosie’s call to action for listeners emphasizes the critical role of community involvement in solving such cases:

"No detail is insignificant. No tip is unimportant. If the anonymous forum user is listening right now, or if this reaches the ears of anyone with knowledge of what happened to Charlene Rosemond, I hope they hear... It could make all the difference in the world to those Who Love and Ms. Charlene Most."
— Rosie Rosemond, timestamp [37:15]

Final Appeal

Kylie Low ends the episode with a heartfelt appeal to the audience to come forward with any information that might shed light on Charlene's murder. By spotlighting this unsolved case, Dark Downeast not only honors Charlene's memory but also underscores the enduring quest for justice within the community.

If you have any information regarding Charlene Rosemond's murder, please contact the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney's office at 781-897-6600.

This summary reflects the detailed investigation and heartfelt storytelling presented in the "The Murder of Charlene Rosemond" episode of Dark Downeast. For more information and to support the search for justice, listeners are encouraged to reach out to the appropriate authorities.