Jassy Correia Kidnapping, Death: Louis Coleman To Be Arraigned

BOSTON — Louis D. Coleman III, the man charged with kidnapping resulting in the death of Jassy Correia, will be arraigned in federal court in Boston tomorrow. The charge of kidnapping resulting in death provides for a sentence of death or life in prison.

The Rhode Island man was indicted by a federal grand jury last week in the kidnapping resulting in death of the 23-year-old Boston woman in February. Coleman has been detained since his arrest Feb. 28 in Delaware.

On Sunday, Feb. 24, Correia's family reported her missing after the young mother didn't return home from an night celebrating her birthday at Venu nightclub on Warrenton Street. Surveillance footage outside the club showed Correia getting into a car with Coleman that night, and later surveillance footage at Coleman's Providence apartment showed him carrying a limp body matching the description of Correia into the building early the next morning, according to authorities.

Prosecutors said police have evidence from more surveillance video that puts Coleman in a Walmart buying supplies later found in his apartment and then bringing out a large suitcase where Correia's body was later found, into the trunk of his car.

That same day, Delaware authorities on Interstate 95 South near Wilmington, Delaware State Troopers stopped Coleman's car and ordered him out and asked him if anyone else was with him.
Officials said Coleman answered something like: "She's in the trunk."

There, officers found Correia's body, wrapped in a sofa cushion cover, which was inside of a black trash bag, inside of a large suitcase that matched the suitcase Coleman was seen bringing into his apartment on Feb. 27. Police said Correia's body had significant bruising, a bloodied face, was bound with gray duct tape, and was covered in what is believed to be baking soda.

Police said they also found a duffle bag, a pair of new long-handled loppers, plastic garbage bags, clothing, a red plastic gas container, a green butane lighter, black gloves, charcoal air purifiers, air fresheners, tinted safety glasses, plastic Walmart bags, work towels, cloth work-gloves, a new set of DeWalt pliers, a laptop, a computer hard-drive/tower, and disinfectant wipes.

Prosecutors say photographs of the defendant's car depict a windshield that is cracked in two locations on the passenger side. They also said police found a white substance, believed to be baking soda, in the trunk.

When police took Coleman into custody someone asked him about a large bandage on the right side of his face. He replied, "It's from the girl," police said.

Correia went missing shortly after another 23-year-old Boston woman went missing after leaving a Boston bar. She was found three days after she went missing, alive. Her alleged captor, Victor Pena is being charged with kidnapping and 10 counts of rape.

RELATED:

• Jassy Correia Missing: Police Searching For Person Of Interest (Feb. 27)
• Police ID Rhode Island Man As Suspect in Jassy Kidnapping
• Louis Coleman Arrested In Delaware (Feb. 28)
• Police Arrest Main Suspect In Jassy Correia's Kidnapping, Murder(Feb. 28)
• Coleman To Face Charges In Rhode Island (March 1)
• More Details Emerge About Louis Coleman And What Was Found In His Home (March 3)
• Jassy Correia's Accused Kidnapper To Be Moved To Boston (March 4)
• Jassy Correia Had Been Kidnapped Once Before (March 5)
• Jassy Correia Memorial Vigil To Be Held Thursday In Dorchester(March 6)
• Jassy Correia Laid To Rest Saturday Morning (March 9)

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).