Massachusetts

Suspect Charged in Connection to Clinton Man's Death

Roger Bemis, 58, was found dead at the Clinton Housing Authority Complex on Thursday

A Massachusetts man is under arrest in connection with the death of a man in Clinton.

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early said police went to the Clinton Housing Authority Complex on Water Street at 6:30 p.m on Thursday to do a well-being check on a resident.

When they arrived, they found the body of 58-year-old Roger Bemis. Early said it appeared Bemis had been dead for days and there were obvious signs of foul play.

After interviewing neighbors, information led police to a suspect in Berlin.

When state police arrived at the home of 48-year-old Dean Valchuis, they said they heard moaning coming from the backyard of the house.

"It appeared the suspect had fallen from a tree stand and had become seriously injured," Early said.

Valchuis was charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury. He is expected to be arraigned once he is discharged from the hospital.

Early said the relationship between the two men was not known.

An autopsy is being performed on Bemis to determine his exact cause of death.

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