Louis Coleman Pleads Not Guilty To Kidnapping Jassy Correia

BOSTON — Louis D. Coleman III, the man accused of kidnapping 23-year-old Jassy Correia, pleaded not guilty Tuesday in federal court in Boston. The charge of kidnapping resulting in death could result in a sentence of death or life in prison.

The Rhode Island man walked into court in an orange prison jumpsuit as Correia's family watched. After the arraignment, the family apparently left through the back of the courthouse.

Coleman was indicted by a federal grand jury last week in the kidnapping resulting in death of the Boston woman. 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 a night celebrating her birthday at Venu nightclub on Warrenton Street. Surveillance footage outside the club showed Correia getting into a car with Coleman, 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 videos that put Coleman in a Walmart buying supplies later found in his apartment, and then placing a large suitcase 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 asked him if anyone else was with him.
Officials said Coleman answered something like: "She's in the trunk."

Officers found Correia's body wrapped in a sofa cushion cover and a black trash bag inside a suitcase matching the one Coleman was seen bringing into his apartment. Police said Correia's body had significant bruising, a bloodied face, was bound with gray duct tape and covered in what is believed to be baking soda.

Police said they also found a duffle bag and a number of suspicious items.

Prosecutors say photographs of the defendant's car depict a windshield cracked in two places on the passenger side.

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 disappeared after leaving a Boston bar. She was found alive three days later in an apartment belonging to Victor Pena, who is charged with kidnapping and 10 counts of rape in the case.

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)

The Federal Courthouse where Coleman will be arraigned. (Jenna Fisher/Patch)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).