Charges Upgraded To Murder In Death Of Gardner Man

GARDNER, MA—A man previously charged with misleading police has now been charged with murder in the death of 56-year-old Randy S. Vaillancourt, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.

Matthew J. Vanier, 33, whose last known address was Nichols Street, was arraigned on a murder charge in Gardner District Court on Thursday.

Vaillancourt’s body was found inside his home at 50 Nichols St., Apartment 1D, on the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 9, as Gardner Police were conducting a well-being check. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide and determined the cause of death to be blunt-force trauma, said the announcement.

On Monday, Dec. 11, Vanier had been charged with misleading police. He was held on $10,000 cash bail following a dangerousness hearing on Friday, Dec. 15. His bail was later reduced to $7,500 on Wednesday. He remained in custody until his arraignment today.

Gardner District Court Judge Arthur Haley ordered Vanier held without bail following his arraignment on the charges of murder, armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. His case is due back in court on Jan. 9.

Photo via Shutterstock