News Releases

Suspect in Massachusetts double homicide in custody in Maine

HOULTON, Maine — A suspect was taken into custody early this morning in connection with the discovery of two bodies in Saugus, Mass., yesterday. The apprehension of this suspect is the direct result of law enforcement cooperation and close coordination by: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); CBP’s U.S. Border Patrol; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); FBI; Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA); Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP); Maine State Police; and Massachusetts State Police.

Joseph Wright, 23, of Lynn, Mass., was taken into custody as he attempted to cross the U.S.-Canada border. Donna Breau, 54, who was identified as one of the victims in yesterday's double homicide, is Wright's mother.

At approximately 6:05 p.m. yesterday, Wright arrived at the Canadian port of entry in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada. When Wright attempted to cross the border, CBSA directed him to a secondary screening area. He then fled the area and was pursued by Canadian authorities. U.S. Border Patrol personnel and equipment were rapidly deployed to the international boundary adjacent to the Richmond Corner, New Brunswick, Canada-area. Additional resources were requested from state and local law enforcement agencies to assist with securing the area should the subject attempt to re-enter the United States. A CBP Houlton Air Branch helicopter was also launched for aerial support. Wright was subsequently apprehended in Richmond Corner by the RCMP.

Early this morning, the RCMP turned Wright over to CBP officers at the Houlton port of entry for processing, who then turned him over to Maine State Police. He is currently in custody at the Aroostook County (Maine) Jail and will be arraigned in Houlton District Court today at 1:00 p.m. on fugitive from justice charges.

At that time, if Wright waives extradition, he will be taken into custody by Massachusetts State Police detectives who will return him to Massachusetts where he will face murder charges.