In 2019, a young mother stepped out to celebrate her birthday, not knowing it would be her last night alive.
This is the heartbreaking story of Jassy Correia, whose life was cut short in a series of unimaginable events.
Jassy Correia
The Joyful Beginnings of Jassy's Life
Jassy Correia was born in Praia, the bustling capital of Cape Verde.
At the tender age of three, she moved to the United States with her father and they settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
Growing up in Boston, Jassy was known for her vibrant spirit, love for dancing, and passion for photography.
She worked as a waitress at a local restaurant and cherished every moment spent with her two-year-old daughter, Gabriela.
Life hadn't always been easy for Jassy.
She had endured a tumultuous relationship with Miguel Castro, Gabriela's father, who had been abusive towards her.
Courageously, she reported him to the police, leading to his imprisonment.
Despite facing challenges in the past, Jassy was determined to create a happy life for herself and her daughter.
 |
| Jassy Correia and her daughter |
A Birthday Celebration Takes a Dark Turn
On February 23, 2019, Jassy was excited to celebrate her 23rd birthday.
She dressed in a bright orange jumpsuit and headed out with friends to Venue, a popular nightclub in Boston's theater district.
The night was filled with dancing and laughter as they toasted to her special day.
As the club closed in the early hours of the morning, Jassy and her friends parted ways outside.
Alone and possibly drunk, she mistakenly got into an Uber that wasn't hers.
An argument ensued, and the driver pushed her out of the car.
Amidst the confusion, a man approached Jassy, offering assistance.
The man was 32-year-old Louis Coleman.
Surveillance footage showed him talking to Jassy, holding her hands, and eventually carrying her piggyback to his red car.
They drove away from the club at around 2:14 a.m.
Tragically, this was the last time Jassy was seen alive by anyone who knew her.
The Search for Jassy
When Jassy didn't return home, her family grew increasingly worried.
Her phone was off, and no one had heard from her.
On February 26, her father reported her missing to the police prompting an investigation.
Investigators began piecing together her last known movements using CCTV footage.
The footage led them to Coleman, who lived in Providence, Rhode Island.
Cameras at his apartment building captured disturbing images of him struggling to carry what appeared to be a body into his unit.
You can watch the chilling moment below.
Over the next few days, Coleman was seen purchasing cleaning supplies and other items that raised suspicions.
Uncovering the Truth and Seeking Justice
On February 28, 2019, police stopped Coleman's car in Delaware.
Inside the trunk, they found Jassy's body, concealed in a suitcase.
Coleman was arrested and later charged with kidnapping resulting in death.
Investigations revealed that Coleman lured Jassy into his car under the pretense of giving her a ride home.
Instead, he drove her to his apartment where he sexually assaulted and strangled her.
During the trial, prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence, including surveillance videos and DNA matches.
They described him as a "predator" who engaged in a calculated cover-up after the murder.
Evidence indicated that he Googled various methods for disposing of a body and purchased cleaning supplies shortly after the crime.
Coleman's defense tried to argue that Jassy had been the aggressor, but the jury found him guilty.
In October 2022, Coleman was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Coleman's motive remains unclear, as he did not provide a definitive explanation during the trial.
Jassy's death sent shockwaves through her community.
Her family, friends, and even city officials mourned her loss.
Boston's mayor at the time emphasized the need for safer environments for women, stating that no one should fear for their life while enjoying a night out.
As her family continues to heal, they cherish the memories of her bright smile and loving nature, making sure her legacy lives on.
If you want to learn more, below is a full video documentary from Law and Crime on her case.
In another case, two sixteen-year-olds were given life sentences after murdering their Spanish teacher.
Click here to learn more about the case.
Comments
Post a Comment