DNA Evidence Linked Pawtucket Man To 2013 Warwick Park Homicide

WARWICK, R.I. -- More than five years after the murder of John "Jack" Fay in Warwick City Park, investigators were able to identify a suspect thanks to DNA evidence. On Tuesday, Michael Soares, 33, of Pawtucket was arrested by Warwick Police and charged with first-degree murder.

According to the Warwick Police Department, DNA samples were collected at the crime scene from Fay's body, the trash can where the body was left, and a weapon found nearby.

READ MORE: Warwick Police Make Arrest In 2013 Park Homicide

"The arrest was a culmination of efforts from our detective division covering hundreds of leads during the course of this investigation," said Warwick Police Chief Rick Rathbun. "Throughout the five-plus years since Mr. Fay's murder, the Warwick Police Department has remained committed to finding his killer. The case was never cold, and has been actively pursued since the day of the crime."

Investigators were able to match Soares to the DNA evidence using the genealogical research service IdentiFinders International. Through an open-source DNA database, it was determined that Soares was the only male in his line with DNA matching that found at the crime scene.

"Without this line of investigation, we would not be solving this case any time in the near future," said Captain Joseph Hopkins, a lead investigator on the case.

Warwick Police were able to obtain a sample of Soares' DNA through a search warrant, and the Rhode Island Department of Health was able to determine that the samples matched.

Soares was taken into custody on Tuesday and arraigned Wednesday morning in Third Division District Court.

Warwick Police say the investigation continues to be ongoing as they work to determine a motive for the crime. Anyone who knew Soares at the time of the crime or may have information that could help in the investigation is urged to contact the Warwick Police Department.

"We will not stop in this investigation until we come to a complete end," Hopkins said. "To the Fay family, I ask that you accept my apologies for not solving this sooner."

At the time of the crime, Soares was homeless and had several non-criminal run-ins with police. There was no indication that he was living in the park at the time of the murder, and had no record of any other assaults.

Fay was killed in the early-morning hours of May 17, 2013, while out jogging at Warwick City Park. His body was found later that day in a trash barrel in the park.

Photo Credit: Warwick Police Department