Man found wrapped up and deceased in his vehicle in Massachusetts remembered for his talent, personality

A man found dead in his own vehicle last weekend is being remembered.

27-year-old Declan Perry of Portland, Maine was found deceased at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth and his employer, The Grill Room and Bar, released a touching tribute.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our Head Chef, Declan Perry, who passed away suddenly. Chef Declan was not only the creative heart of our kitchen but also a cherished member of The Rooms family.

“Over the past two weeks, our team has taken a step back to reflect, grieve, and honor the memory of someone who meant so much to us. The silence in the kitchen has been heavy, but it has also given us space to remember the joy, laughter, and inspiration Chef Declan brought into our lives every day.

“Chef Declan’s journey with us began as a teenager, when he first joined our team in an entry-level role. With hard work, curiosity, and an undeniable talent, he grew through the kitchen- learning, leading, and inspiring at each step- until ultimately becoming our Head Chef. That journey made him not only a leader, but a living example of dedication, growth, and perseverance for everyone who worked alongside him.

“Outside the kitchen, Chef had a love of sports that matched his passion for food. He was eagerly looking forward to the start of a new season for the New England Patriots and was thrilled to see the Boston Red Sox fighting their way for a playoff spot this year. His laughter, energy, and conversations about the latest game will be dearly missed around the restaurant as much as his cooking.

“Known for his giant warm personality, commitment to excellence, and generosity of spirit, Chef Declan believed that food was more than nourishment- it was a way to bring people together, tell stories, and create lasting memories. He shaped not only the menu but also the heart and soul of our restaurant.

“Chef Declan’s influence extended far beyond the dishes he created. He mentored young cooks, inspired innovation, and fostered a spirit of camaraderie that will remain part of our restaurant forever.

“As we continue to grieve this tremendous loss, our thoughts are with Declan’s family, friends, and loved ones. We ask for privacy and compassion during this difficult time.

“The Grill Room team will move forward with renewed purpose, carrying Chef Declan’s legacy in every dish we prepare and every guest we welcome.

“Rest Easy Chef …you will be missed.”

According to Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Christopher Caron, 42, pleaded not guilty in Hingham District Court to one count of Murder in the death of Perry. Caron was held without bail and is next scheduled to appear on September 29.

Investigators determined that on August 12th , Caron and Perry texted about meeting up in Massachusetts to buy narcotics, and on August 22nd , Perry traveled to meet up with Caron. The pair drove to Boston where they purchased fentanyl and cocaine, and drove back to 40 Driftway, Unit 13 in Scituate, where Caron had been staying.

According to an intensive investigation by Massachusetts State Police and Scituate Police, at 11:49 p.m. on August 22nd, Caron performed an internet search for “7- Eleven and Narcan.” At approximately 1:07 a.m. on August 23 rd , Caron phoned a female for help, and the female arrived at the Scituate residence at approximately 2:45 a.m. At approximately 3 a.m., Caron and the female witness allegedly administered three doses of Narcan to Perry. The female witness fell asleep and awoke at 7 a.m. to find Perry deceased.

According to investigators, multiple times the female witness requested that Caron get medical assistance for Perry, but Caron refused. Caron wrapped Perry’s body in moving blankets and secured it with duct tape. Caron and the female witness moved the body out of the basement room, and attempted to move it using a wooden door as a stretcher to put the body inside Perry’s Honda Civic. Several neighbors noticed Caron struggling to move Perry’s body, and assisted him in getting it into the car.

On Saturday, August 23rd at approximately 2:07 p.m., Weymouth Police were contacted by South Shore Hospital reporting a possibly deceased body that was located within the rear seat of a black Honda Civic with a Maine license plate. The motor vehicle was parked in front of the emergency room entrance. A hospital unit coordinator exited the hospital and walked to the Honda Civic where he located an unresponsive male, determined to be Perry, wrapped in multiple blankets secured with duct tape. At approximately 2:15 p.m., Perry was pronounced deceased.

Through surveillance camera footage and interviews, investigators found that Caron, drove Perry’s motor vehicle to the hospital and alerted medical staff to the body before fleeing the area.

The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner took jurisdiction of the case and will determine manner and cause of death, but preliminarily found Perry to have suffered deep hemorrhaging injuries to his chest, eyes, nose, and mouth. Additionally, Perry sustained multiple injuries to his neck, consistent with strangulation.

Investigators secured a search warrant for the premises and found red, brown stains in the apartment unit, and a door with red-brown stains. State Police also located a bag at the Weymouth home of the female witness which contained a shirt and sweatshirt with reddish stains.

As a result of the around-the-clock investigation, Massachusetts State Police sought and obtained an arrest warrant for Caron. He turned himself into Scituate Police on August 30.

The investigation is ongoing.