BishopAccountability.org
	New Documents Released in Decades Old Murder By Matt DeLucia CBS 3 February 22, 2008 http://www.cbs3springfield.com/news/local/15891837.html More than 35 years after the death of 13 year-old Danny Croteau, a Springfield altar boy, documents that have never been seen before by the public have finally been released. Croteau's family sees this latest development as a big victory, while the Hampden County District Attorney's office fought hard to keep the documents from the public eye. It was just last month when a Hampden County Superior Court Judge ordered the District Attorney's office to turn over dozens of pages of witness statements related to the murder. This week, those documents became public for the first time in over three decades. Documents the Croteaus say will help them form an independent investigation. The D.A.'s office fought against the release of the statements because it said it did not want to leak the identities of the witnesses who came forward. "We want the public to know that when they cooperate with the police, if they cooperate with law enforcement and the Attorney General, we're going to do everything we can to protect that information," said William Bennett, District Attorney. The names of the witnesses were removed prior to the release of the documents. The Croteaus firmly believe that it was their priest, Father Richard Lavigne, who killed their son back in 1972. Lavigne denies any involvement but still remains the only person ever suspected in the case. Bennett said, however, the evidence is only circumstantial. "There's not sufficient credible and reliable information to satisfy a rational trial of fact of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt for anybody," said Bennett. Friday afternoon, Carl and Bernice "Bunny" Croteau stared at the painting of their son hanging on the wall, and vowed never to give up the search for his killer. "Let 12 people decide whether he's guilty or not guilty," said Carl Croteau, Danny's father. "If that can't be had, well then we'd like to see somebody else step in and take a look at the case." The 115 pages of documents detail the now defrocked priest's alleged involvement, including several allegations against the late Bishop Christopher Weldon, including one witness who claims Weldon told her she would be excommunicated if she came forward. The Diocese of Springfield denies the claim, releasing a written statement Friday morning: "We maintain complete confidence that the District Attorney and State Police would pursue such matters if they were credible." The Croteaus said they are continuing the search for the truth. "Truth and justice. That's all we've ever asked for and that's all we ever want," said Croteau. Danny Croteau's body was found along the Chicopee River, which is on federal property. The family hopes that now, because of that factor, the FBI or Attorney General will step in and perhaps give them the answers they've been waiting for.
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