Boston Rape Suspect Turns Himself in to Medford Police

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that a warrant has been issued for Michael J. Purpura, 36, of Westwood, on a charge of attempted kidnapping. Purpura turned himself in to Medford Police yesterday and is the suspect in the September 15 rape of a woman in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston. Purpura appeared in Roxbury Municipal Court today and was held without bail pending a 58A dangerousness hearing scheduled for Thursday, September 24, at 2:00 p.m.

“The Winchester Police Department has issued a warrant for the arrest of this suspect in connection with the attempted abduction of a child,” said District Attorney Ryan. “We will be closely monitoring the criminal proceedings in Suffolk County and continue to move forward with our own investigation.”

Winchester Chief of Police Kenneth Albertelli added, “This is a very disturbing case in which a man allegedly attacked a young girl. Our detectives worked aggressively and diligently to put together a case and I am grateful that this appears to be an isolated incident.”

On Saturday, September 19, 2015 at approximately 4:20pm, Winchester Police responded to a report of an attempted abduction of a child. The victim was walking in the vicinity of Winchester High School when she was allegedly approached and grabbed by the defendant. The victim broke free and ran to a group of people who called 911.
Winchester Police and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office investigated this incident.

This charge is an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

– Information from DA Marian Ryan’s office. Photo courtesy Winchester Police.