Unsolved Murder of Henry Bedard Reexamined 50 Years Later

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SWAMPSCOTT, Mass. – October 1, 2025 – The investigation into the unsolved 1974 murder of Henry Bedard remains active, the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker confirms. Bedard was last seen on December 16, 1974, walking on Paradise Road in Swampscott after Christmas shopping in Vinnin Square. He was discovered deceased the next day in the woods off of Suffolk Avenue in Swampscott behind the present-day DPW building on Paradise Road. A baseball bat with unique markings on the handle was found near the body of Bedard, who was a 15-year-old student-athlete at the time of his death.

In response to information recently received, a court order was allowed to exhume Bedard’s body.

“Advances in forensic science and technology have led to new criminal investigative avenues that were not possible in the past,” said Tucker. “We are hopeful that these advances will lead to significant evidence.”

The Swampscott Police Department, Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Unresolved Cases Unit assigned to Tucker’s office, MSP Crime Scene Services Section, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner oversaw the exhumation.

“What happened to Henry has never left this town, and young or old, all of the community still talks about Henry and what happened on that fateful day,” said Swampscott Chief of Police Ruben Quesada.

Prior to his death, Bedard loved spending time with his family and friends, and was a beloved member of the Swampscott community. Henry enjoyed playing youth baseball and Big Blue football at Swampscott High School and worked at his father’s service station on High Street in Danvers.

Anyone with information about Bedard’s murder is encouraged to contact the Unresolved Case Unit tip line at 1-855-MA-SOLVE or at mspunresolved@pol.state.ma.us.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Michael Keefe-Feldman

E: Michael.Keefe-Feldman@mass.gov

Office: 978-745-6610

Cell: 781-771-9779