3:30 a.m., February 3, 1923 – McGrath Square, Saxonville
Patrolman William H. Welch, a 15-year Framingham Police veteran, was walking his beat on a rainy, sleet-slick morning when he noticed a man acting suspiciously near the mills. Just hours earlier, a store in South Sudbury had been burglarized—postage stamps stolen. Welch was on alert.
He stopped the man and escorted him to the Roxbury House, a lodging house used by mill workers, to call police headquarters.
Welch walked into the front parlor to use the phone.
He never got the chance.
Downstairs, John McGrath, the building’s fireman, heard a struggle. He rushed up and saw Welch grappling with the suspect. McGrath ran outside for help, returned with a watchman—and arrived just in time to hear the gunshots.
Three to the head.
The killer rushed out past them and escaped into the street.
They found Welch dead on the floor near the telephone. His face was bruised. His hand had been bitten. It had been a desperate fight. A deadly one.
FROM THE LOGBOOK – 3:40 A.M.
The original police log survives. Preserved by the family of Officer Robert Tibor, it captures the chaos in real time:
“At 3:40 a.m. received word of Officer William H. Walsh murder at Roxbury House, Saxonville. … Shot by Savage .380 automatic pistol in hand of dark complexion, about 5-7, 130-140 pounds, from 20 to 25 years of age, dark coat and cap… Put six shots into him. All officers and state men out.”
The entry is raw, urgent—and marks the beginning of a manhunt that would never end in conviction.
FEBRUARY 4 – POLICE BAFFLED.
After 38 hours, police had no name, no weapon, and no suspect.
All roads out of Saxonville were blocked. Summer camps in Wayland were searched. District Attorney Arthur K. Reading took charge.
Two witnesses—McGrath and the mill watchman—described only:
White male. Mid-20s. 5’6″. Clean-shaven. Dark suit. Cap.
AUTOPSY FINDINGS – THE KILLER WAS LOSING
Dr. George B. Magrath’s autopsy revealed five bullet wounds, including two slugs to Welch’s abdomen—fired upward, indicating Welch was likely overpowering his killer before the shots.
FALSE LEADS & MISDIRECTION
Fall River Man: Arrested at the train station after being mistaken for the killer. Released.
Boxcar Vagrants: Two dishonorably discharged Army men—George Chappie and Albert McWhinney—found sleeping in a Framingham freight car. Held for vagrancy. Released.
STAMP SCHEME SPARKS FALSE LEAD
Harry Cohen of Sharon Street was caught selling seven sheets of 2¢ stamps—possibly tied to the South Sudbury burglary. He claimed to have bought them from an “unknown Negro” trying to get to Hartford. Interrogated by local police, postal agents, and the DOJ. Story changed repeatedly. No proof of murder involvement. Released.
APRIL 26 – SALVATORE LETTERI ARRESTED
Hiding under the alias James Rose in Boston, Letteri was spotted by Officer Kirlin and arrested on the Cambridge Parkway.
- Identified by a mole on his ear
- Tried to grab a license plate to use as a weapon
- Interrogated at the State House
- Criminal history: prior robbery charges, probation, multiple arrests
- Age: 24
APRIL 27 – LETTERI ARRAIGNED
Letteri pleaded not guilty to Welch’s murder. He was held without bail and also charged with breaking and entering a Saxonville home in December, stealing two gold watches and a ring.
OCTOBER 11 – LETTERI ACQUITTED
At trial, prosecutors pointed to bite marks on Welch’s hand, but the evidence was circumstantial. No weapon. No confession.
The jury deliberated two hours:
Not guilty.
DECEMBER 1924 – A FINAL TWIST
Letteri was later convicted in another shooting and sentenced to 7–10 years. At some point before 1934, he reportedly confessed to killing Patrolman Welch on his deathbed.
No retrial.
No justice.
THE AFTERMATH
- Welch’s family (his wife Jeanne and their 3 children) continued to live at 60 Elm Street.
- His son, William Jr., would die in WWII and be buried in Italy.
- His daughter Agnes raised a family in Framingham.
- He is buried at St. George’s Cemetery.
The William H. Welch Medal of Honor is the highest award given by Framingham Police.
William H. Welch Way runs beside the Union Avenue station.
Framingham has never had another officer murdered in the line of duty.