Albert Rodgers, father of Deanna Cremin, speaks to Somerville Police Captain Charles Femino about the 17 year old case.~Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

Friday March 30, 2012 marks the 17th anniversary of Deanna Cremin’s brutal murder. She died on Jaques Street in Somerville in 1995.

A remembrance ceremony for what would have been Deanna’s 34th birthday was held on March 26, near her former home.

Captain Charles Femino from the Somerville Police Department stated, “The investigation is open and active. It’s a tragic memory, and we have the desire to have it solved.”

The District Attorney’s office collaborates with the police force to review any new information.  A victim witness advocate from the DA’s office was present at the remembrance ceremony.

“These are the types of cases that keep people up at night,” said the victim witness advocate.

The month of March is not easy for the family of the deceased. “These are trying times for me and the family as we try to get answers,” said Albert Rodgers, the father of Deanna Cremin.

Each year a wreath is placed on her street sign, not only to remember Deanna Cremin, but to remind people of the tragedy that had befallen upon her.

“This is something I do every year,” said Rodgers. The family members visit the corner of Jaques Street and Temple Street, now renamed Deanna Cremin Square, and take a moment to remember her blithe spirit. “If something happens to me, my son will continue to carry on the tradition,” said Rodgers.

Sandy Cowie, Deanna’s aunt, wanted to thank the Department of Public Works for hanging the wreath.

The untimely death of Deanna Cremin is an unfortunate piece of Somerville’s history but the unsolved murder remains a preoccupation of the Somerville Police Department.