Rhode Island

Arrest Made in 1988 Death of 10-Year-Old Rhode Island Girl

Joao Monteiro, 59, has been arrested in connection with the January 1988 Pawtucket killing of Christine Cole

Rhode Island police have made an arrest in the 1988 killing of a 10-year-old girl.

Pawtucket police on Thursday said they have charged 59-year-old Joao Monteiro with murder in the death of Christine Cole. Monteiro was tied to the death through advanced DNA testing technology.

Cole was last seen alive on Jan. 6, 1988, after leaving a Pawtucket market where she had been sent by her mother to buy milk.

Her body was found nearly two months later by a man walking his dog on a beach at Conimicut Point Park in Warwick. A medical examiner determined she had died of "asphyxia with submersion."

Monteiro, who lives in Central Falls, was held without bail at his arraignment. He did not ether a plea. A message was left with his attorney.

Copyright The Associated Press
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