The annual wreath-hanging ceremony in remembrance of Deanna Cremin took place this Saturday, and with it came a renewed sense of determination to solve the 19-year-old murder case.

By David R. Smith

Nearly 20 years have done little to dull the grieving over the murder of Deanna Cremin, nor, however, has it lessened the commitment among her family, friends, law enforcement and city officials to find her killer.

Cremin, 17, was found strangled to death behind a senior housing complex less than a block from her Somerville Home the morning of March 30, 1995. Despite 19 years of investigations, leads and billboards asking for the public’s help, her murderer remains at large.

The annual wreath-hanging ceremony at Deanna Cremin Square at the corner of Jaques and Temple streets was held this past Saturday on the 19th anniversary of her death. The square was dedicated in her honor in the summer of 1995.

Prior to the ceremony, the Board of Aldermen passed a resolution at its Thursday, March 27, meeting asking District Attorney Marian Ryan for an update on the investigation into Cremin’s murder. Deanna’s mother, Katherine, was at that meeting.

“It has been 19 years. I’m living a nightmare some people read about,” she told the board. “I’d like to see this come to a conclusion, not only for my self, my family, my daughter, Deanna, but for the community at large. We do not want Deanna’s case forgotten. We do not want my daughter forgotten.”

Mayor Joseph Curtatone echoed Katherine’s sentiments at Saturday’s ceremony, and he further offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person or people who murdered Deanna.

“I’ve often asked myself, ‘Have we done enough?’” Curtatone said. “I don’t know what that answer is. I know I want to continue to be side by side with Cremin’s family and their friends. I will continue to pray with all of you, to pause with all of you. But our city, our police department, we’re going to do more. I’m inspired by all your commitment and your tenacity.”

District Attorney Ryan was also at the ceremony, and she, too, promised to keep the investigation going.

“What I know is that love and faith are always stronger than evil,” she said, “and we will bring this case to a just resolution and a successful conclusion, and that is our promise to all of you today.”

Deanna’s father, Bert Rogers, appeared buoyed by Curtatone’s and Ryan’s remarks, and he offered a few words of his own before the ceremony moved from the square to a memorial service at St. Anne’s.

“It’s clear we have a great team fighting for us now, and I have hope and I believe justice is going to be served,” he said. “Her memory will always be alive and in my heart.”