WORCESTER, MA – A Worcester man convicted of kidnapping, strangling, and attempting to murder a 7-year-old girl in 2017 has been sentenced to up to 30 years in state prison.
Joshua Hubert, 43, was found guilty last month of two counts of attempted murder, one count of strangulation, and one count of kidnapping a child.
He was sentenced Friday to consecutive prison terms totaling 28 to 30 years, followed by four years of probation.
Authorities said Hubert abducted the child after attending a family cookout in August 2017, then strangled her and threw her off an Interstate 290 bridge over Lake Quinsigamond.
Child survived by swimming to shore
The young victim miraculously survived the fall, swam to the Shrewsbury side of the lake, and found help at a nearby home, triggering a multi-agency investigation. Police from Shrewsbury, Worcester, and the Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office led the case.
Hubert was acquitted of aggravated rape charges but convicted of all other counts related to the brutal attack.
Prosecutor praises teamwork, victim’s courage
District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. credited Assistant District Attorneys Mark McShera and Emily Meyers, Victim Witness Advocate Maria Deyette, and local law enforcement for their work in securing the conviction. “This case demonstrates the strength and resilience of the victim and the dedication of the officers and prosecutors involved,” Early said.
Police chiefs welcome sentencing outcome
Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier said he respected the judge’s decision, calling the case “horrific” and expressing hope that the ruling would bring closure to the victim’s family. Shrewsbury Police Chief Kevin Anderson added that while no sentence can erase the trauma, “the decision reinforces our community’s commitment to safety and accountability.”
Hubert’s prison term will be followed by strict probationary oversight.