Dark Downeast: UPDATE – The Murder of Charline Rosemond (Massachusetts)

Host: Kylie Low (audiochuck)
Date: September 11, 2025

Episode Overview

This emotionally charged episode revisits the 2009 murder of Charlene Rosemond in Massachusetts. Initially unsolved for over 15 years, the case sees a major update: a suspect has now been indicted. Host Kylie Low recounts the original case, new developments, and features an interview with Charlene’s sister, Rose (“Rosie”), who tirelessly advocated for her sister and played a crucial role in keeping the investigation alive.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Background – Charlene’s Disappearance and Murder

• Charlene Rosemond: 23 years old, left home on April 7, 2009, to view a used car and never returned ([04:15]).
• She was carrying $4,000 in cash to buy the car—a Lexus she was eager to purchase for greater independence ([06:01]).
• After missing work the next day, her family realized something was wrong. Despite initial police hesitation (“must wait 48 hours”), Rosie initiated her own inquiry ([08:21]).
• Discovery: Six days later, Charlene and her parents’ Honda Civic were found in Union Square, Somerville. She had been shot once in the head ([14:45]).
  • The car sat in a secluded apartment parking lot for nearly a week before discovery.

Investigation and Early Suspects

• Investigators theorized multiple people were involved: the killer shot Charlene from the back seat, while another was in the passenger seat ([17:14]).
• The $4,000 cash was missing, pointing to robbery as the motive ([18:00]).
• Charlene’s meeting was arranged by a trusted friend, raising suspicion that someone close to her was involved ([19:06]).
• Police interviews highlighted key witnesses, among them Dawkins Joseph—who gave conflicting statements and alibis ([20:50]).
  • Joseph ultimately received a perjury conviction for withholding relevant info ([23:39]).
• Community silence and reluctance to share information hampered progress for years ([27:56]).
• Rosie believed someone within Charlene’s social circle—possibly considered a friend—was responsible ([29:50]).

Later Theories and Broader Context

• Kylie drew parallels to other U.S. murders involving robbing people during used car sales ([32:20]), asserting the possibility of Charlene falling into a similar fatal setup.

Major Update: Indictment Announced

• On April 10, 2025, nearly 16 years after Charlene’s death, Middlesex DA and Somerville Police indicted Hensky Anacreon for her murder ([37:54]).
  • Revealed Scheme: Anacreon and friend Roberto June lured Charlene by promising a discounted Lexus.
  • Anacreon, using a car from work, posed as the seller; June (believed to be Charlene’s close friend) helped set the plan ([38:32]).
• Anacreon allegedly provided the .44 Magnum used and disposed of the murder weapon ([39:05]).
• June, the alleged co-conspirator, died in 2024 and cannot be prosecuted ([39:35]).
• After the murder, Anacreon and June reportedly celebrated with champagne ([40:10]).
• Anacreon was also indicted for attempting to mislead investigators ([40:42]).

Rosie’s Advocacy and Reflections

• Rosie, instrumental in keeping the case active, was told by investigators that her persistence was key ([43:05]).

  "If it had not been for you, we would have never continued to work on it... They told me, like, had it not been for my persistence and me continuing to... stay on top of them, like, they would have just left the case." — Rose ([43:05])

• Rosie described the emotional toll—relief at the indictment, surprise given so much time had passed, and an enduring sense of duty to her sister and aging parents ([41:08]).

  “I feel like it's a mixture between relief and surprise…” — Rose ([41:08])

• She emphasized community ties and the pain of confronting someone she grew up with in court ([44:06]).

  “We all grew up together. So he's familiar with me. I'm familiar with him. Just seeing his face after so many years, knowing what he did to my sister, was hard to do. But I plan on being there every single date.” — Rose ([44:06])

• Rosie’s efforts—podcast appearances, social media, reminders to police—kept Charlene’s name in the public eye and the case active ([43:37]).

Remembering Charlene

• Rosie shared heartfelt memories of Charlene’s vibrant personality and style:

  “She would never be considered underdressed. Like, we could be going to Target. And it's like she would definitely be the one to put on the fanciest outfit… I learned so much from her, even if I didn’t realize it at the time.” — Rose ([45:04])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On perseverance and advocacy:

  “If it had not been for you, we would have never continued to work on it.” — Rose, quoting detectives ([43:05])

• On the emotional moment of indictment:

  “…a hard shift for me to be like, oh, my God, like, we finally did it… It’s also relief. My parents are aging. I want them to be able to see my sister get justice…” — Rose ([41:08])

• On the pain of familiar betrayal:

  “We all went to the same school... Just seeing his face after so many years, knowing what he did to my sister, was hard to do.” — Rose ([44:06])

• Rosie’s declaration for justice:

  “At the end of the day, 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.” — Rose ([36:35], as quoted from her podcast)

Important Timestamps

• Charlene’s Last Day & Family Realization: 04:15 – 08:21
• Discovery of the car & body: 14:45
• Police focus on suspects, Dawkins Joseph perjury: 20:50 – 23:39
• Community secrets & Rosie’s suspicion: 29:50
• Discussion of similar used-car sale murders: 32:20
• Indictment announced, press release: 37:54
• Rosie’s reaction/interview: 41:08 – 46:11
• Rosie on advocacy and perseverance: 43:05
• Court process, confronting the accused: 44:06
• Remembering Charlene: 45:04

Conclusion

This episode tells the full arc of a family’s heartbreak, steadfast advocacy, and the shifting hope for justice in a cold case finally warming after 16 years. Listeners witness the impact of persistence—of keeping a case alive by refusing silence, and the bittersweet relief when justice finally seems possible. Charlene’s story honors her memory as much as it issues a rallying cry: never give up on demanding answers, and never underestimate the power of a family seeking truth.

For more resources and updates, visit darkdowneast.com.

End of Summary