BROCKTON, Mass. — A 33-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the death of her boyfriend.
On Friday night around 10:30, Brockton police say 33-year-old Kathryn Podgurski flagged them down, asking for help. She brought police to her third-floor apartment at 42 Green Street where police found 44-year-old Joseph Shaw’s body in a closet. Police say Shaw had been dead for awhile and there were several, severe stab wounds consistent with a homicide.
"He was an amazing person. He was my best friend. Can't imagine why or who would do this to him. I really just want to know why and who did it," said Therese Landry.
Police say a family member had reported Shaw missing on Monday, July 17. Shaw's family says he has been missing since last Saturday night after he left a family gathering hosted by his sister, Sandra.
"Last time I saw him was like 2, 2:30 in the morning. He said he was going home," said Sandra Shaw.
But Shaw's family said he never made it home. They checked his apartment earlier in the week.
"He had somebody staying with him and they said he never made it home," said Sandra.
Brockton police and state police began investigating and conducting interviews. Saturday afternoon, police arrested Podgurski and charged her with one count of accessory after murder. She is being held until her arraignment on Monday.
"At this time we believe this is not a random incident. We believe there is no threat to public safety as we speak with you right now," said Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz.
Police say Shaw’s death was not a random act and they are continuing to investigate. The medical examiner will work to determine the cause and manner of death.
This is the third time in the past three years someone has been murdered on Green Street in Brockton. In 2014, a man was stabbed to death and in 2015, a man was shot to death.
Correction: This story initially reported the body was found at the Elm Court Hotel. It has been corrected. The report of the body found came from a caller at the Elm Court Hotel.