Massachusetts mother and daughter remembered as best friends as person of interest in their murder captured

A suspect has been caught as friends and family mourn the loss of a Massachusetts mother and daughter.

According to police, on August 24th, 2024, at just after 1:00 p.m., Worcester Police officers were dispatched to a Main Street senior living apartment for a report of two deceased females inside.

Officers arrived and found two females who appeared to have suffered multiple puncture wounds, 76-year-old Sergia Acosta and her daughter, 58-year-old Ana Maria Martinez of Worcester. They were both pronounced deceased on scene by Worcester EMS.

On Thursday, the person of interest in the double homicide, 59-year-old William Rodriguez of Worcester, was placed under arrest in New York City at about 12:40 p.m.

“I would like to thank the men and women of the Worcester Police Department and all of our partners, including the USMS MA Fugitive Task Force, the USMS New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Massachusetts State Police VFAS, District Attorney Joseph Early’s office, the New York City Police Department, and New York Port Authority Police for their assistance in bringing this man to justice.” Worcester Police Department Interim Chief Paul Saucier

According to an obituary, “Sergia worked as a tailor for many years and Ana worked as a personal care assistant for Tempus Unlimited and was recently taking care of her mother full-time. Sergia and Ana were not only mother and daughter, but they were best friends and were inseparable. In their spare time, Sergia enjoyed singing, dancing and walking and Ana enjoyed knitting and reading.”

According to Boston 25 News, Rodriquez was in a relationship with Ana Maria for approximately one year and police located a note in Rodriquez’s apartment that read, “women who make mistakes will receive what is coming.” Rodriguez was also arrested for the stabbing death of his wife where he pled guilty to manslaughter and served 15 years in prison before being released in 2019. Family members reportedly did not know of Rodriquez’s criminal history at the time of the double murders.

The Worcester Housing Authority also issued a statement following the capture of Rodriguez.

“We express our profound relief at the apprehension of William Rodriguez and extend our gratitude to the authorities for their swift and effective actions. We eagerly anticipate the administration of justice and hope this development provides some measure of comfort to the families of Sergia Acosta and her daughter, Ana Maria Martinez, as well as to our community members.

“Our sincere thanks go to the Worcester Police Department and their law enforcement partners for their diligent efforts in securing the suspect’s custody. Additionally, we are deeply appreciative of the Renaissance Medical Group for providing grief counseling services to our residents during this challenging time.

“Though this tragedy is immense, the memories of Sergia and Ana Maria will guide and inspire us, ensuring that they are always remembered.”

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours for Sergia and Ana on Thursday, September 5, 2024 from 4-8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Their funeral service will be held on Friday, September 6th at 11:00 am in the funeral home. Burial will follow and Sergia and Ana will be laid to rest together at Saint John’s Cemetery, Worcester.