Row of prison cells in a cell block
Row of prison cells in a cell block

Mathew Locke convicted of murdering West Brookfield mother, three children

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1 min read
November 15, 2024

WORCESTER, Mass. — A jury on Wednesday found Mathew Locke guilty of four counts of first-degree murder in the 2018 killings of Sara Bermudez and her three young children in West Brookfield, marking the conclusion of a harrowing trial that spanned nearly a month.

Locke, 38, formerly of Ware, was convicted in the deaths of Bermudez, 38, and her children—Madison, 8; James, 6; and Michael, 2—whose bodies were discovered inside their home on Old Warren Road. Prosecutors presented evidence that Locke committed the murders with deliberate premeditation, extreme atrocity and cruelty, and during the commission of felonies, including armed burglary and aggravated rape.

The jury also found Locke guilty of armed burglary and arson, noting evidence of a fire at the scene that had extinguished itself. Deliberations lasted approximately 10 hours, capping a four-week trial that included testimony from over 70 witnesses and the presentation of more than 1,000 exhibits.

“The deaths of this mother and her children were some of the most heinous ever seen by this office,” said Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr., who commended the prosecutorial team and law enforcement agencies for their thorough investigation and trial preparation.

Locke’s conviction provides a measure of closure in a case that devastated the West Brookfield community. DA Early thanked the jury, law enforcement, and victim advocates for their efforts, expressing hope that the verdict will offer some justice to the victims’ surviving family.

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

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