Blackstone Police Charge Woman After Finding Horrid Home Living Conditions

The Blackstone Police Department arrested a local woman Thursday and charged her in connection with the deplorable and dangerous living conditions found at her home at St. Paul Street, according to a press release.

Erika Murray, 31, of Blackstone, was arraigned Friday in Uxbridge District Court.

Blackstone Police originally responded to Murray’s home on Aug. 28 for a well-being check after concerns were raised about crying children heard in the home. Responding officers found the interior of the home to be in a state of squalor, with garbage and dirty diapers stacked over a foot high in places, and an out of control rodent and pest infestation.

Four children, between the ages of 13 and under 1 years of age, were found living in filth. The Department of Children and Families was immediately called in on an emergency basis and took custody of the children, according to Blackstone Police.

State records showed that the two oldest children were Murray’s and she was summoned to court on neglect charges. However, no birth records existed for the two youngest children.

The house was condemned, and police began an intensive investigation. Officers found two additional human bodies on Thursday night, which are believed to have been newborn babies. The skeletal remains of several animals, including cats and a dog, were also found inside.

Murray was arrested Thursday afternoon at a family member’s home in Northbridge. She has been additionally charged with fetal death concealment out of wedlock, witness intimidation, animal cruelty and two counts of permitting substantial injury to a child.

“This has been a trying, difficult week for our investigators and for the residents of Blackstone,” Chief Ross Atstupenas said. “This is not the kind of thing anyone would expect in our community or in any other place for that matter. I want to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation as this investigation has unfolded. Our priorities are to ensure that the four children are safe and to make sure justice is served going forward.”

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