Massachusetts man found dead in basement under suspicious circumstances identified by family

A Massachusetts man that was found dead in a basement last week has been identified by family and friends of the deceased.

According to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Lowell Police Superintendent Barry Golner, Michael Burke, 38, and Samantha Perry, 38, both of Lowell have been charged with kidnapping in connection with allegedly restraining and holding a 37-year-old Lowell man against his will inside their Coburn Street residence in Lowell.

On Friday, December 2, Lowell Police, following up on a well-being check, went to the Coburn Street residence. A search warrant was subsequently executed at the location and the body of a 37-year-old man was located. Evidence in the home suggested that the man had been restrained in the home at some point.

Based on the location and condition of the body, it is being investigated as a suspicious death. The preliminary investigation suggests this is an isolated incident.

Michael Burke and Samantha Perry were arraigned Monday in Lowell District Court.

According to those who knew him, John Wayne Potter, who was reported missing by Lowell Police, is the man that was found dead in a Lowell basement freezer.

Potter was described as a loving and kind man that had a smile that would light up a room.

In a cruel twist of fate, Potter’s 11-year-old sister Tabitha was murdered in 1999.

This is an open and ongoing investigation being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Lowell Police and Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office.