Worcester Man Pleads Guilty To 2019 Murder: DA

WORCESTER, MA - Thomas Bergstrom, 42, pleaded guilty to the 2019 killing of Jennifer Vazquez-Rivera on Lapierre Street in Worcester, the District Attorney's office announced.

On Oct. 2, 2019 Vazquez-Rivera was found stabbed insider her Lapierre Street apartment. She was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. Witness statements and cell phone evidence provided breaks in the investigation, and on Oct. 4 Bergstrom turned himself in.

Bergstrom, a resident of Worcester, pleaded guilt to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years.

The defense requested a 22-year parole eligibility hearing date, but Worcester Superior Court Judge William Ritter sided with the Commonwealth's recommendation of 25 years.

"We know nothing can bring Jennifer back to her family," said Joseph Early, the Worcester District Attorney. "But we hope today's plea brings some measure of justice to her family to help them move forward after this tragedy."

The full release can be read at the District Attorney Office's website linked here.