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Jonathan R. Duchatellier, a first-year student at the College,
died on May 6 following an off-campus fight at the Cambridge
Street Apartments at 510 Cambridge St. in Worcester. Duchatellier,
19, was from Atlantic Highlands, N. J., and a member of the
College’s Naval ROTC unit. (See obituary on page 78).
Paolo Liuzzo, a Holy Cross sophomore, was arrested and charged
with manslaughter in the death of Duchatellier. The Woodbury,
N.Y., native was released on $25,000 bail, and the case against
him has been continued to June 20 for a pretrial conference.
College president, Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., released
the following statement about the tragedy:
“This unprecedented and shocking tragedy grieves
us all. It has left a valued and loved member of our community
dead and another facing serious criminal charges. Other
students, especially friends and associates of those directly
involved, are feeling a range of painful emotions, including
grief, anger, frustration, confusion and guilt. All of
us in positions of responsibility feel a profound regret
that this happened here. We feel a responsibility for all
our students, to care for them, keep them safe and to look
out for their welfare. When something like this happens,
it is very difficult to accept or account for it.
“At this point we do not know all the facts about
what happened or the circumstances surrounding it. As we
learn more, we will be reviewing all of our policies and
procedures to see what more we can do to make sure that
something like this never happens again.
“Tragic events like this remind us of how precious
and how fragile each life is. We must redouble our efforts
to look out for one another, to be unfailing in showing
respect and reverence for every human being, and to avoid
the kind of irresponsible and heedless behavior that puts
ourselves and others in danger.
“We offer our deepest sympathy and prayers to Jonathan’s
family, who have suffered this indescribable loss with
great dignity and generosity. We also pray for all those
implicated or in some way affected by this, that they may
find help and peace.
“Finally, I want to commend the generosity, professionalism
and kindness of all who went out of their way to care
for the families and students affected by this terrible
occurrence.”
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