The progression of the Baby Doe case
Baby Doe, the young girl whose body was found on the shore of Deer Island in June, was identified Friday as Bella Bond.
Police arrested Michael P. McCarthy and are planning to charge him with her murder, according to Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley. Bella’s mother, Rochelle Bond, has also been arrested, and police are planning to charge her with accessory after the fact to murder.
The Department of Children and Families released a statement Friday afternoon saying the agency had “brief involvement’’ with Bella as an infant.
A search warrant was executed in the case on Thursday. Below is a timeline of the case:
June 25: The body of a young girl was found on the shore of Deer Island by a woman walking her dog. Found along with a zebra-print blanket, the girl soon was referred to as “Baby Doe’’ as investigators searched for anyone with information about the child.
The composite image released.
July 2: Police released a computer-generated composite image of the girl, who they believed to be about 4 years old, along with photos of the polka-dot leggings and zebra-print blanket that were discovered with her body. In the days after the images were released, tips poured in as millions viewed the photos.
July 21: By July 21, Baby Doe’s image was placed on billboards in 50 locations throughout the state.
July 26:More than 100 people gathered for a vigil on Deer Island for Baby Doe.
July 29:A memorial was held for Baby Doe at Paulist Center in Boston, attended by more than 70 people, including Gov. Charlie Baker.
A memorial where she was found
August 8:Forensic tests and a pollen analysis showed the girl lived locally.
August 21: By mid-August, police said they investigated 210 leads.
September 1: An isotope analysis showed the girl spent time in New England before her death.
September 8: A new billboard was unveiled as investigators continued their effort to identify the girl.
September 17: A search warrant was executed in a Dorchester apartment related to the case.
September 18: Baby Doe was identified as Bella Bond. Police arrested Michael P. McCarthy and are planning to charge him with her murder, Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley said during a press conference Friday evening. Bella’s mother, Rachelle Bond, has also been arrested, and police are planning to charge her with accessory after the fact to murder.
Photos of the Deer Island case
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