Man charged with murdering parents in Middleboro held without bail as more details are released

A Middleboro man was arraigned Friday morning on charges that he murdered both of his parents.

At approximately 6:30 a.m. Thursday, Middleborough Police were requested to perform a well-being check at a home at #3 Highland Street. Upon arrival, police officers located the bodies of a man and woman inside the home. Middleborough Police contacted Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office and the scene was secured and an investigation commenced.

Ryan True, 21, of Middleborough, was placed under arrest and charged with two counts of Murder. The victims were his parents, Renee True, 55, and David True, 52. All three resided in the home on Highland Street and the couple leaves behind a young son.

True faced a judge this morning in Wareham District Court.

A plea of not guilty was placed on True’s behalf.

According to a police report, a call was placed at approximately 6:30 a.m. concerning David True not showing up for work and that there was no answer when calling his phone. A school bus van, which had been operated by Renee True, was also seen outside of the residence.

When officers entered the home, blood could be seen throughout the residence including locations that appeared to show signs of dragging. Both David and Renee were found deceased in the home.

Ryan True was called and it was revealed that he was in his mother’s Kia at another location. He was instructed to come back to his home. Ryan stated that he had a knife and one was located by police. True had bandages on his hands and what appeared to be bloodstains on his clothing. True was then placed under arrest.

According to Ryan True’s half brother, Ryan stated that things went bad and he was the only one who left the house alive. Ryan also stated to the half brother that he was playing video games on Wednesday night when his father came in drunk, he then “did what he had to do.” Ryan told his half brother that he would understand if he did not forgive him. It was also believed that Ryan, who is autistic, was not taking his medications.

When police interviewed Ryan, he stated that he had an altercation with his father and stabbed him to defend himself. He then came in contact with his mother and stabbed her as well.

The prosecution stated that there was no indication of self defense and that True stated that his wounds on his hands were from missing the father when attempting to stab him.

The prosecution asked for True to be held without bail due to the circumstances of the case.

True’s attorney then proceeded to state to the court that he was concerned about his client’s competency which led him to get seen by a medical professional.

After an evaluation, it was determined that True is autistic and possibly bi-polar.

It was then determined that True would be held without bail pending evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital.

Friends and family of David and Renee True were shocked and saddened by the news of their untimely death. Both were popular and beloved in the community. Renee was a school bus driver in Middleboro for special education students and David worked for MCE Dirtworks, a paving and excavation company. Both have been described as loving and caring people.

David True’s employer issued the following statement.

“It is with heavy hearts and a profound sadness that we share the devastating news that we at Dirtworks are heartbroken over the sudden and tragic loss of one of our own. David True was truly one of the best men we have had the privilege of knowing. His charisma and passion for his work were contagious; a true leader. He will be sorely missed by all of us here and by anyone lucky enough to call him their friend. May he and his wife Renee find peace. We love you Dave.”

Middleboro Public Schools issued a statement concerning the loss of Renee True.

“It is with sadness and regret that we inform you about the sudden loss of a member of our school community. On December 10, 2020, Mrs. Renee True, an employee of the Middleborough Public School community, died suddenly at her home. Renee has been a valued member of the Middleborough Public Schools’ Transportation Department since 2007 and was a mini-bus driver responsible for the transportation of our special education students. This sudden loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions with the families and staff members who worked with Renee on a daily basis.”

“The Middleborough Public Schools has a District Emergency Response Team which consists of professionals trained to assist with the needs of students, parents, guardians and school personnel at difficult times such as this. At this time, we are mobilizing our counselors to support any family or staff member who may need or request assistance regarding this loss. We encourage our families and staff to use our resources.”

“If you need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our Interface Referral Service through our community partner, McClean Hospital. The William James College INTERFACE Helpline phone number is 888-244-6843 where you will speak with a trained resource and referral counselor. This free resource is available to all Middleborough residents.”

“Employees of the Middleborough Public Schools can reach out to EAP (Employee Assistance Program) for additional counseling services; www.theeap.com/.”

“Renee was a hard-working and dedicated employee. It was clearly evident that she cared about every child she transported every day. She will be greatly missed by our transportation department and our entire school community” said Brian E. Lynch, Superintendent of Schools for Middleborough.

“Once again, please know that the Middleborough Public School community is deeply saddened by this sudden loss within our school community and we will make every effort to help our families and staff members with any assistance they might require.”

“Please keep Renee True’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”

True’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 4th.