Authorities release identity of man found dismembered in Massachusetts pond, release more details

SHIRLEY – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Shirley Chief of Police Samuel Santiago have confirmed that the remains located Wednesday night in Shirley have been identified as the remains of 69-year-old Peter Degan.

Wednesday at approximately 5:30 p.m., a group of young people walking in the area of the Maritime Veterans Memorial Bridge on Shaker Road, reported seeing what appeared to be a leg in the water and reported it to Shirley Police. Shirley Police and Fire arrived on scene and confirmed that what was observed was a human leg. Further investigation resulted in the recovery of additional body parts that were identified through fingerprints as belonging to Mr. Degan.

The preliminary investigation suggests that the remains of Degan were possibly severed by a sharp instrument and at this time foul play is suspected.

In February 2019, Degan pled guilty to charges related to trafficking and distribution of cocaine in a Suffolk County case.  Following his release from prison, Degan had been living in a Pre-Release Center in Rockland, which is his last known address.  Investigators have determined that Degan was seen in Rockland on Friday, February 27, 2026.

Currently investigators do not believe this was a random attack. Members of the public who have any information about Degan or who saw anything suspicious in recent days in the area where his remains were recovered are asked to immediately contact police.

This is an active and ongoing investigation being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Shirley Police, Massachusetts State Police Detectives and the Massachusetts State Police Underwater Recovery Unit.  The prosecutors assigned to this case are Graham Van Epps and Bayley Weese