Morbid Podcast Summary: Episode 677 - The Murder of Anthony LoConte

Host: Morbid Network | Wondery
Release Date: June 2, 2025
Description: Morbid is a true crime and creepy history podcast hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist, blending thorough research with a touch of comedy.

Introduction

The episode begins with Ash and Alina engaging in their usual humorous banter before delving into the harrowing true crime story of Anthony LoConte's murder. They set the stage for a detailed exploration of the case, emphasizing its emotional impact and the relentless pursuit of justice by Anthony's family.

Background of the Case

In the spring of 1988, Robert Morganti, a 19-year-old resident of Brockton, Massachusetts, was involved in the local cocaine trade. His operations were supported by his runner, Jeffrey Tessier, who helped distribute the drugs.

Ash (07:07): "Based on court records and just like human logic, it's pretty reasonable to assume Jeffrey had not fully thought out this plan."

The Fateful Night: May 10, 1988

Facing a cocaine shortage, Morganti contacts Tessier for more supply. Tessier, unable to provide, concocts a deceitful scheme to extract money from Morganti by selling fake cocaine.

• The Scam: Tessier convinces Morganti to purchase what Morganti believes is a kilogram of cocaine for $10,500 (approximately $29,000 today). In reality, Tessier provides a bag filled with household items, including an Old Spice deodorant container.

Alina (08:48): "Like that's never gonna happen."

• The Encounter: Tessier hands over the fake package to Morganti, who, realizing he's been scammed, becomes enraged. Morganti and his associate, Brian Madden, return to confront Tessier and Anthony LoConte, who lived with Tessier.

The Murder of Anthony LoConte

Upon returning, Morganti and Madden, in a fit of anger, violently attack LoConte. Anthony attempts to escape but is overpowered and forced into Madden's car.

Ash (10:22): "Anthony LoConte was sitting in the passenger seat... "

• The Shooting: During the drive, Morganti fatally shoots Anthony in the back of his head with a .380 caliber handgun. The bullet trajectory indicates it was fired from the back seat, confirming Morganti as the shooter.

Alina (12:24): "That's awesome."
Ash (12:25): "They executed him."

• Aftermath: Anthony collapses and is later found unconscious by a passerby, initially misidentified as a hit-and-run victim. Despite medical intervention, he succumbs to his injuries at the hospital.

Alina (16:17): "Oh my God."

Investigation and Evidence Collection

Investigators piece together the events through eyewitness accounts, forensic evidence, and Tessier's testimony. Key pieces of evidence include:

• Blood Evidence: Blood on the car and CDs matched Anthony's blood type.
• Gunshot Wound Analysis: Determined the shot was fired from the back seat.

Ash (15:26): "The gun was fired less than 6 inches from the victim's head... executed him."

Robert Morganti's Flight and Capture

Morganti fled the state, evading capture for over a decade. His trail led authorities across various states until his eventual arrest in March 2000 in Modesto, California.

• False Identity: Arrested under the name Roderick Grenige, authorities discovered multiple identities linking him to the LeConte case.
• Extradition: Morganti was extradited to Massachusetts to stand trial.

Alina (33:23): "That must have been unreal."

Trial and Conviction

Trial Began: Summer 2003, Brockton Superior Court.

• Charges: First-degree murder with special circumstances for premeditation and extreme cruelty.
• Evidence Presented:
  • Photographs: Highly graphic images of Anthony's body.
  • Witness Testimonies: Including Morganti's associates who linked him to the crime.
  • Forensic Evidence: Fingerprints and blood trails placing Morganti at the crime scene.

Ash (37:22): "Brian Madden... identified Robert Morganti as the shooter."

Verdict: Morganti was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Ash (38:07): "Alan told reporters, 'I never gave up hope. I was always hoping he would be found.'"

Appeals and Legal Battles

Despite his conviction, Morganti pursued appeals challenging the integrity of his trial procedures.

1. First Appeal (2009):
   • Claims: Improper admission of statements and denial of attorney during interrogation.
   • Outcome: The court ruled against Morganti, upholding the conviction.

Ash (38:59): "They saw it starting to come up and they're like, yeah, we'll try other places."

2. Second Appeal (2013):
   • Claims: Violation of the Sixth Amendment during jury selection.
   • Outcome: Rejected, as court procedures during jury impanelment were deemed standard.

Alina (40:07): "You gotta be clear."

Recent Developments: Parole Possibility

In April 2025, a Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling (Commonwealth vs Mattis) deemed life without parole for offenders aged 18-20 as cruel and unusual punishment. This has opened the door for potential parole for Morganti, who was 19 at the time of the murder.

Ash (42:18): "Robert Morganti was 19 years old when he killed Anthony Laconte."

• Family's Stance:
  • The LoConte family vehemently opposes Morganti's parole, emphasizing his lack of remorse and continued involvement in criminal activities during his fugitive years.
  • Marie LoConte (18:22): "Anthony's father, L.B., openly wept... relieved that his son had finally received justice."

Alina (44:28): "I don't blame them."

• Action Steps:
  • The family has initiated petitions and picketed the State House to prevent Morganti's parole.
  • They have a change.org petition with nearly 150 signatures, urging the parole board to deny Morganti's release.

Ash (46:49): "We could definitely get them some more."

Impact on the LoConte Family

Anthony LoConte's murder has left an indelible mark on his family, who continue to strive for justice and closure.

• Family Memories:
  • Anthony was cherished for his kindness, love for music, and his role as a protective brother.
  • Ash (19:32): "He was a kind and loving brother who didn't have much, but shared what he did have."

Alina (44:19): "Anthony's sister, Marie, told a reporter... We miss his voice, his laughter, his energy."

• Emotional Toll:
  • The family's pain is exacerbated by the possibility of Morganti's parole, reopening old wounds and hindering their healing process.

Alina (44:55): "That just gave me so many chills, and I got a giant ballump of cry in my throat."

Conclusion

The murder of Anthony LoConte is a tragic tale of deceit, violence, and the relentless pursuit of justice. While Morganti's conviction brought some closure, recent legal developments threaten to reignite the family's anguish. The LoConte family's unwavering commitment to keeping Anthony's memory alive underscores the enduring impact of his untimely death.

Ash (48:12): "It's gut wrenching that this family's still dealing with something that just never should have happened in the first place."

Call to Action:
Listeners are encouraged to support the LoConte family's efforts by signing the petition and raising awareness to prevent Morganti's potential parole.

Note: Timestamps correspond to key moments in the transcript, providing precise references to notable quotes and discussions.