Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley and Winthrop Police Chief Terence Delehanty today announced an arrest in the death of a man whose remains were discovered beneath a Winthrop Street porch earlier this week.

Winthrop Police and State Police homicide detectives assigned to Conley’s office took JOHN LACOY (D.O.B. 2/9/64) into custody at Winthrop Police Headquarters this afternoon.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the victim suffered a fatal stab wound to the chest and deemed his death a homicide. Though his remains were in an advanced state of decomposition, authorities are confident that they have identified him; his name will not be released until additional testing confirms that identity. The man had no fixed address at the time of his death.

Winthrop and State police today made contact with Lacoy, who agreed to an interview. Based on statements made during that interview, along with additional evidence recovered at Lacoy’s 429 Winthrop St. home and statements from independent witnesses, Suffolk prosecutors approved a complaint charging him with murder.
Lacoy is expected to be arraigned at East Boston District Court tomorrow.

Winthrop Police responded to the area of 429 Winthrop St. at about 2:30 Tuesday afternoon for a report of a strong odor. On arrival, they observed what appeared to be human remains. Winthrop Police then notified the Suffolk County State Police Detective Unit, which investigates all unattended deaths in Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop, and parts of Boston.

Winthrop Police are providing support, assistance, and personnel to the investigation. The State Police Crime Scene Services Section is also assisting in the probe.

Authorities continue to ask anyone with information on the case to call Winthrop Police at 617-846-1212 or the Suffolk County State Police Detective Unit at 617-727-8817.