Man Connected to Melanson Case Indicted on Armed Robbery Charges

A Wakefield man connected to the 22years ago, was indicted in Middlesex Superior Court Friday on armed robbery charges.

Eugene Bertini, 37, and his wife, Leslie Bertini, 40, both of Wakefield, were indicted by the grand jury on charges of armed robbery (3 counts), armed assault with intent to rob, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon, and larceny over $250. 

An arraignment date has not yet been set, said Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone Friday afternoon. 

According to authorities, on April 25, Eugene Bertini allegedly entered a North Street gas station in Wakefield with a handgun, hitting the employee on the side of the head with the gun.  Bertini reportedly stole $250 and a necklace from a teenager at the gas station. 

The Middlesex District Attorney's Office alleges that Bertini's wife, Leslie, was in the car with Bertini had prior knowledge prior of her husband's intent to commit the robbery. An arrest warrant was issued Friday for Leslie Bertini.  Eugene Bertini is still in police custody from his previous district court arraignment in April.   

According to family and friends of Melanie Melanson, Eugene Bertini was one of the last two people to see Melanie alive in 1989. 

Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone said Melanie went to a party on the Woburn/Stoneham line in 1989, when she was 14-years-old and a freshman at Woburn High. She was never seen alive after the party.

Authorities are still searching for Melanie or any information related to the case. Members of the public with information that they believe would be helpful to the investigation can contact the  at 781-933-1212 x853 or State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office at 781-897-6650.