Massachusetts man convicted after kidnapping 7-year-old, strangling her, throwing her off bridge

Worcester — A jury in Worcester County Superior Court convicted a Massachusetts man Thursday for the kidnapping and strangulation of a 7-year-old girl before hurling her from an Interstate 290 bridge over Lake Quinsigamond on August 27, 2017, as announced by Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.

Following a trial spanning several days, 43-year-old Joshua Hubert of Worcester was convicted on two counts of attempted murder, one count of strangulation, and one count of child kidnapping. He was acquitted on one count of aggravated rape of a child involving force and one count of aggravated rape of a child with a five-year age gap.

The events unfolded on August 26th, 2017, when Hubert attended a barbecue with the victim’s relatives. In the early morning of August 27th, he abducted the child, choked her, and tossed her from the bridge. The girl miraculously survived the plunge, made her way to shore, and reached out for assistance at a home on the Shrewsbury side of the lake. This prompted a probe by Shrewsbury and Worcester Police, alongside Massachusetts State Police detectives from the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.

“Our Assistant District Attorneys Mark McShera and Emily Meyers delivered an outstanding prosecution, while Victim Witness Advocate Maria Deyette offered vital support to the victim and her loved ones throughout,” Early stated. “I’m appreciative of the exceptional efforts by the Shrewsbury and Worcester Police Departments. Above all, I commend this resilient survivor for her extraordinary courage in sharing her testimony.”

“The Special Crimes Unit of the Worcester Police Department and DA Joe Early showed exceptional commitment in seeking justice. We’re profoundly thankful for their work supporting the victim and her family,” added Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier.

Hubert’s sentencing is set for October 3rd, 2025, before Worcester Superior Court Judge Karin Bell.