Worcester, MA, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Albert Carabba has been indicted for the murder of Patricia Santos, who disappeared in 2009. The indictment by a Worcester County grand jury marks a significant development after extensive investigations into her case, which included reviewing open homicide files. Carabba was arrested in Mississippi and faces extradition to Massachusetts for arraignment. Authorities continue to seek community assistance in the ongoing investigation.
Worcester
Albert Carabba, 64, has been indicted for the murder of Patricia Santos, who disappeared more than 16 years ago. The indictment was returned by a Worcester County grand jury on September 23. The development follows a long-running investigation into a disappearance that began in 2009.
Key details
Patricia Santos was 36 years old when she was reported missing from 45 Fruit Street, Worcester, MA on May 20, 2009. Santos had been staying with a friend before her disappearance and was last seen preparing for work. According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), nobody has seen or heard from Santos since that morning.
Prior to her disappearance, Santos had a history of drug addiction but had been clean for two years following rehabilitation. Santos had obtained a restraining order against Carabba, which was set to expire two days after she was reported missing.
Carabba stated he saw Santos on May 20 and claimed she had relapsed on drugs and planned to go to Florida, leaving him her car. Friends of Santos disputed Carabba’s claims, stating she would not have let him use her car and doubted she would relapse given her recovery.
Arrest and next steps
Carabba, now residing in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was taken into custody by police in Mississippi with the assistance of Worcester detectives. He is expected to be extradited to Massachusetts to face arraignment in Worcester Superior Court at a later date. No further details about the specific evidence linking Carabba to the murder have been disclosed.
The investigation into Santos’s disappearance included reviewing and closing open homicide cases. Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier emphasized that the case has not been forgotten and praised the ongoing efforts of the Worcester Police Department for justice.
Community appeal
Authorities are asking community members to review any personal records, communications, or observations from the time surrounding Santos’s disappearance that could assist investigators. Community members are encouraged to contact the Worcester Police Detective Bureau with any information regarding unresolved homicides.
What is known and what is not
The indictment establishes formal criminal charges returned by a grand jury, but it does not in itself establish guilt. Details about the specific physical or forensic evidence that led to the indictment have not been released. Investigators and prosecutors will present evidence during pretrial proceedings and at arraignment.
Law enforcement officials have indicated the case remained active and under review for years, including efforts to evaluate open homicide matters tied to the disappearance. The arrest and indictment represent a significant procedural step in a case that has remained unresolved since 2009.
FAQ
Who was indicted?
Albert Carabba, 64, has been indicted for the murder of Patricia Santos, who disappeared more than 16 years ago.
When was the indictment returned?
The indictment was returned by a Worcester County grand jury on September 23.
When and where did the disappearance occur?
Patricia Santos was 36 years old when she was reported missing from 45 Fruit Street, Worcester, MA on May 20, 2009.
What was Santos doing before she disappeared?
Santos had been staying with a friend before her disappearance and was last seen preparing for work.
Has anyone heard from Santos since then?
According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), nobody has seen or heard from Santos since that morning.
Did Santos have a history of substance issues?
Prior to her disappearance, Santos had a history of drug addiction but had been clean for two years following rehabilitation.
Was there a restraining order in place?
Santos had obtained a restraining order against Carabba, which was set to expire two days after she was reported missing.
What did Carabba say about Santos?
Carabba stated he saw Santos on May 20 and claimed she had relapsed on drugs and planned to go to Florida, leaving him her car.
Did friends of Santos accept Carabba’s account?
Friends of Santos disputed Carabba’s claims, stating she would not have let him use her car and doubted she would relapse given her recovery.
Where was Carabba arrested?
Carabba, now residing in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was taken into custody by police in Mississippi with the assistance of Worcester detectives.
Will Carabba be returned to Massachusetts?
He is expected to be extradited to Massachusetts to face arraignment in Worcester Superior Court at a later date.
Have investigators released evidence details?
No further details about the specific evidence linking Carabba to the murder have been disclosed.
How can the public help?
Community members are encouraged to contact the Worcester Police Detective Bureau with any information regarding unresolved homicides.
Quick reference table
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Indicted individual | Albert Carabba, 64 |
| Victim | Patricia Santos, 36 at time of disappearance |
| Date reported missing | May 20, 2009 |
| Location reported missing from | 45 Fruit Street, Worcester, MA |
| Grand jury action | Indictment returned by a Worcester County grand jury on September 23 |
| Arrest location | Ocean Springs, Mississippi |
| Custody and transfer | Taken into custody by police in Mississippi with the assistance of Worcester detectives; expected extradition to Massachusetts |
| Investigation notes | Investigation included reviewing and closing open homicide cases; no further evidence details disclosed |
| How to help | Contact the Worcester Police Detective Bureau with any information regarding unresolved homicides |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charges Filed Against Suspect in Patricia Santos Case
Suspect in Custody After Shooting at Lunenburg Police
MTA Urges Schools to Protect Teachers’ Free Speech Rights
Man Fatally Stabbed in Fitchburg, Suspect Arrested
Boston Police Report 208 Incident Responses in 24 Hours
Suspect Charged with Attempted Murder After Officer Shot in Roxbury
Cool and Dry Weather Returns to New England
Dry Air and Mild Temperatures Return to Boston
Governor Healey Criticizes Federal Immigration Crackdown
Operation Patriot 2.0 Targets Undocumented Immigrants in Massachusetts
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Missing Worcester Patricia Santos Murder Arrest
- Wikipedia: Patricia Santos
- Patch: Murder Indictment Returned for Missing Worcester Woman’s 2009 Disappearance
- Google Search: Patricia Santos Worcester
- WCVB: Mississippi Man Indicted in Patricia Santos Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Patricia Santos
- Fall River Reporter: Mississippi Man Indicted for Murder of Missing 36-Year-Old Massachusetts Woman
- Google News: Patricia Santos Disappearance
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
