The Murder of Howard Hoxie (Massachusetts)
Dark Downeast
Deep Dive
Why was Howard Hoxie, an 80-year-old fruit farmer, murdered in 1999?
Howard Hoxie was murdered on December 15, 1999, in his home in Waitley, Massachusetts. He was found beaten to death with a blunt instrument. The motive for the murder remains unclear, but it is believed that the killer was someone Howard knew, possibly due to conflicts over the sale of his farm or the previous incidents of vandalism and pesticide contamination.
Why did Howard Hoxie put his farm up for sale in 1999?
Howard Hoxie decided to sell his farm, Quan Quan Farm, in 1999 because he was approaching 80 years old and found it increasingly difficult to manage the daily duties of farm life. He had a pacemaker and had recently fallen during a storm, breaking multiple ribs. Despite his children's concerns, Howard initially resisted selling the farm but eventually agreed to it.
Why did the sale of Howard Hoxie's farm get delayed?
The sale of Howard Hoxie's farm was delayed due to two separate incidents of vandalism and pesticide contamination that occurred in November 1999. These incidents required extensive cleanup and investigation, which put the sale on hold. The contamination also led to a significant cleanup bill, estimated at around $25,000.
Why did Howard Hoxie file a restraining order against his farmhand, James Cutchin?
Howard Hoxie filed a restraining order against his farmhand, James Cutchin, on November 11, 1999, because James had a bad temper and was often involved in screaming fights. Howard was also concerned that James was responsible for the pesticide contamination and vandalism at the farm. Howard stated in his affidavit that he was afraid of James and wanted him to stay away from the farm and his new home.
Why did the police search the farmhouse where James Cutchin lived after Howard Hoxie's murder?
The police searched the farmhouse where James Cutchin lived because Howard had a strained relationship with James, who had a history of violence and was suspected of causing the pesticide contamination and vandalism at the farm. James was also the subject of a restraining order filed by Howard. The search included seizing several farm tools to test them as potential murder weapons.
Why did James Cutchin send letters to the media suggesting his theories about Howard Hoxie's murder?
James Cutchin sent letters to the media to suggest his own theories about Howard Hoxie's murder and to express his fear that the killer might come after him. In the letters, he claimed responsibility for reporting the pesticide contamination to state and federal DEP officials and denied any involvement in the murder. The letters also detailed his criminal past and his attempts to turn his life around.
Why did the police travel to Washington State in 2000 to investigate Howard Hoxie's case?
The police traveled to Washington State in 2000 to follow up on new information in Howard Hoxie's case. James Cutchin, who had a connection to Washington State, was previously arrested there in 1998 for visiting friends without notifying police. Although the trip did not generate any new leads, it indicated that the police were exploring various angles in the investigation.
Why did Howard Hoxie's family create a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of his killer?
Howard Hoxie's family created a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of his killer in October 2000, as the one-year anniversary of the murder approached. The reward was an attempt to generate new leads and bring the case to a resolution. However, the reward offer generated only a single call, and no significant progress was made.
Why did Howard Hoxie's son, Paul, say it would be a second injustice if his father was remembered only as a murder victim?
Howard Hoxie's son, Paul, said it would be a second injustice if his father was remembered only as a murder victim because Howard was much more than that. He was a parent, a husband, a farmer, a baseball coach, a chemist, and a meteorologist. Paul wanted his father to be remembered for his many contributions to the community and his generous spirit.
- Howard Hoxie, 80-year-old fruit farmer, murdered in his home
- Quanquant Farm, revitalized apple orchard
- Murder discovered on December 15, 1999
- Death caused by blunt force trauma
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