HUNTINGTON – The death of Huntington mother Jessica Dana has been ruled a homicide, according to the Office of Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan.
The body of Dana, 30, of Rocky Brook Drive, was found stuffed in a cardboard box behind her home Sunday evening when police searched the home she shared with boyfriend Jeb Daly, 36. Upon discovery of the body, which was not officially identified as Dana until today, Daly fled on foot.
He was apprehended near their home and arrested. He pleaded not guilty to charges of improper disposal of a body and misleading police in Northampton District Court yesterday. Daly was held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy upon the body Monday, and determined the death was homicide. No information on the manner in which Dana died has been released.
The Massachusetts State Police Detectives Unit attached to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Dana’s homicide, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
The public should not be concerned about community safety.
First Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Steven E. Gagne said Daly was the last person to have seen Dana alive after a gathering with friends at the Rocky Brook Road residence on Friday night. Daly told Dana’s family members she was missing on Saturday morning, Gagne said, and it was only at their urging that Daly reported Dana missing to the Massachusetts State Police on Saturday at approximately 5 p.m.
During the ensuing search, Massachusetts State Police investigators went to the Rocky Brook residence, where Daly let them in.
Friends and family were at the couple’s home at the time of the discovery of the body and assumed it was Dana and that Daly had killed her. An emotional eruption occurred with threats being made against Daly and Daly ran.
According to police, a helicopter and search dogs were used to help find Daly in the wooded area around his home. He finally came out when police used a relative’s vehicle to lure Daly out of hiding.
Dana’s three children, at least one of which is Daly’s child as well, are being cared for by family members.
A pre-trial conference date was set for July 27 in Northampton District Court.
Friends of Dana posted about her disappearance and death, with most offering condolences to her children, on Facebook.
“There just isn’t enough words to say how much we miss you, how much we love you, and how big the hole is that was left behind. Family and friends alike, we’ll watch over your babies, keeping your memory alive for the rest of our days.” wrote Joshua Ellinger.
“Such a sad series of events this weekend. You will be missed by many and never forgotten…..” stated Matthew Wainscott.
One woman posted that she “took a little extra time, to hold my children, to tell my loves how much I love them. Jessica Dana your family will take care of your children, They will hold and love your children for you. You will be missed.”
