Main South Woodsman
Unidentified Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Worcester, Massachusetts
TIME PERIOD
2002-2007
VICTIMS
5 confirmed
The Main South Woodsman is an unidentified serial killer responsible for the murders of three to five prostitutes in Worcester, Massachusetts, between 2002 and 2007. The victims, all Hispanic women aged 29 to 42, were engaged in prostitution and struggled with drug addiction. As of now, the case remains unsolved, with a prime suspect identified in 2008, but no charges have been filed related to these murders.
Theories surrounding the Main South Woodsman case suggest that the prime suspect, Alex Scesny, could be the unidentified serial killer due to his history of sexual abuse and a suspected murder of a sex worker. Despite his conviction for other offenses, he has never been charged in connection with the Woodsman cases, which remain unsolved. Community speculation focuses on the profile of the victims, all of whom were Hispanic women involved in prostitution and struggling with addiction, indicating a targeted approach by the killer.
The Main South Woodsman: An Unsolved Serial Killer Case
Overview
The Main South Woodsman is a chilling title given to an unidentified serial killer whose reign of terror took place in Worcester, Massachusetts, between 2002 and 2007. This shadowy figure is believed to have claimed the lives of three to five women, predominantly sex workers, in the Main South neighborhood—a grim testament to the struggles faced by those living on the fringes of society.
Quick Facts
- Victims: 3–5
- Span of Crimes: 2002 – 2004 (possibly until 2007)
- Country: United States
- State: Massachusetts
The Suspect: Alex Scesny
In a twist that thickens the plot, the prime suspect in these murders, Alex F. Scesny, emerged in 2008, following a trail of past offenses that suggested a dark proclivity for violence against women. Despite having a history of sexual abuse and being linked to the murder of a sex worker, Scesny has never faced formal charges in connection to the Main South Woodsman case, leaving these heinous crimes shrouded in mystery.
The Victims
The known victims of the Main South Woodsman were predominantly Hispanic women, characterized by their slim builds, shorter statures, and dark hair. Each victim, aged between 29 and 42 at the time of their deaths, engaged in prostitution and battled drug addiction, illustrating the tragic circumstances surrounding their lives.
Carmen Rudy
The haunting tale began with 29-year-old Carmen Rudy, who vanished from Worcester on September 30, 2002. A mother of two, Carmen had sought help for her drug addiction at the Linda Fay Griffin House, a substance abuse treatment facility. Nearly a year later, her skeletal remains were unearthed on September 29, 2003, in a wooded area on the grounds of Hillside High School in Marlborough.
Betzaida Montalvo
Only a few dozen meters from where Carmen was discovered, authorities unearthed the remains of 29-year-old Betzaida Montalvo, known as Maritele Burgos. Betzaida had gone missing in April 2003 and was a mother of three with a troubled history of drug abuse and prostitution. Initially unidentifiable due to decomposition, forensic scientists later reconstructed her skull to aid in her identification, which was confirmed in April 2004 through DNA matched with her family.
Dinelia Torres
On March 3, 2004, the body of 33-year-old Dinelia Torres surfaced in a wooded area near Hudson, just two kilometers from where the previous victims were found. Like her predecessors, Dinelia battled addiction and had a history of prostitution. Her life story echoes the grim realities faced by many women in similar circumstances, having lost custody of her children and grappling with a drug dependency.
Suspected Victims
The shadows of the Main South Woodsman extended beyond these known victims. In the early hours of September 5, 2004, Wendy A. Morrello, 42, fled her home in a drug-fueled panic and vanished without a trace. Her body was discovered eight days later in York, Maine, fully clothed with her jewelry intact—raising questions about her killer's motives.
Another suspected victim, 35-year-old Lineida Oliveira, was found in the woods near Rutland on September 4, 2007, just two weeks after giving birth to twins. Described as homeless and struggling with chronic drug problems, investigators speculated that her killer was likely someone she knew, given her practice of leaving details about her dates with strangers.
Investigation and Profiling
In a bid to bring the elusive Woodsman to justice, the FBI formed a task force that, with the aid of profilers from New Jersey, sketched a psychological profile of the suspect. They painted a portrait of a blue-collar worker, possibly between the ages of 28 and 41, with a penchant for hunting and fishing. This potential killer likely drove a pickup truck or SUV and hailed from a dysfunctional family where abuse may have fueled a deep-seated hatred towards women.
Alex Scesny: The Prime Suspect
The investigation took a significant turn in May 2008 when authorities identified 38-year-old Alex Scesny as a prime suspect. He had been charged with the rape of a friend and was linked to the cold case murder of prostitute Theresa K. Stone, who had met a brutal end in Fitchburg in 1996. Scesny's violent history with women painted a disturbing picture, yet all questions about his involvement in the Main South Woodsman case remain unanswered.
Despite being convicted for Stone's murder in 2012 and sentenced to life in prison, Scesny has consistently denied any connection to the Woodsman murders. As of March 2025, he has not been charged with any of the other murders, leaving the case—and the fate of the remaining victims—an open wound in the community.
Conclusion
The saga of the Main South Woodsman remains one of unresolved terror and tragedy, highlighting the vulnerabilities of women caught in the throes of addiction and exploitation. As law enforcement continues to investigate, the haunting question lingers: will justice ever be served for the victims and their families?
Sources
- Main South Woodsman - Wikipedia
- Liz Mineo and Matt Lynch (July 24, 2008). "More remains found: Families' pain 'starts all over'". The MetroWest Daily News.
- Kristen Bradley (March 5, 2004). "Mother lives the nightmare again: Old wounds reopened for family of murder victim Carmen Rudy". The Milford Daily News.
- "3 Slayings May Be Connected". Los Angeles Times. March 26, 2004.
- "Suspected victim of serial killer ID'd". The Standard-Times. March 25, 2004.
- Sarah MacDonald (March 5, 2004). "'She was a good girl': Murder victim's family reflects on life marred by drug addiction". The Milford Daily News.
- Bob Ward (September 15, 2016). "Unsolved: Police renew calls for attention to possible Worcester serial killer". WFXT.
- Carolyn Kessel Stewart (February 10, 2005). "Photos released in murder case". The Milford Daily News.
- Carolyn Kessel Stewart (September 18, 2004). "Murder victim has Worcester ties: Link to possible serial killings probed". The Milford Daily News.
- Liz Mineo (September 25, 2007). "A serial killer victim? Sister says no, it was 'someone she knew'". The State Journal-Register.
- Kendall Hatch (April 3, 2012). "Profiler makes case for Scesny's ties to area murders". The MetroWest Daily News.
- Scott J. Croteau (September 11, 2007). "'Woodsman' profile is released". Telegram & Gazette.
- Norman Miller (May 2, 2008). "Berlin man a 'person of interest' in Worcester prostitute murders". The Repository.
- Jean Hodges (May 7, 2008). "Serial killer expert can see why police have 'person of interest'". The Herald News.
- "Convicted killer Alex Scesny, person of interest in 'Main South Woodsman' case asks for conviction to be overturned". The Republican. March 9, 2015.
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First Victim Disappears
Carmen Rudy, a 29-year-old prostitute, goes missing in Worcester.
Montalvo Goes Missing
Betzaida Montalvo, another victim, goes missing; her remains are later found near Rudy's.
Rudy's Remains Found
The skeletal remains of Carmen Rudy are discovered near Hillside High School.
Third Victim Found
The body of Dinelia Torres is discovered in a wooded area near Hudson.
Morello Disappears
Wendy A. Morrello, a suspected victim, disappears; her body is found days later in Maine.
Oliveira's Remains Found
The remains of Lineida Oliveira are discovered in woods near Rutland.
Prime Suspect Identified
Alex Scesny is named as a prime suspect in the Woodsman murders.
Scesny Convicted
Alex Scesny is convicted for the murder of Theresa K. Stone and sentenced to life.
Case Remains Unsolved
All murders attributed to the Main South Woodsman remain unsolved.
The Main South Woodsman is an unidentified serial killer responsible for the murders of three to five prostitutes in Worcester, Massachusetts, between 2002 and 2007. The victims, all Hispanic women aged 29 to 42, were engaged in prostitution and struggled with drug addiction. As of now, the case remains unsolved, with a prime suspect identified in 2008, but no charges have been filed related to these murders.
Theories surrounding the Main South Woodsman case suggest that the prime suspect, Alex Scesny, could be the unidentified serial killer due to his history of sexual abuse and a suspected murder of a sex worker. Despite his conviction for other offenses, he has never been charged in connection with the Woodsman cases, which remain unsolved. Community speculation focuses on the profile of the victims, all of whom were Hispanic women involved in prostitution and struggling with addiction, indicating a targeted approach by the killer.
The Main South Woodsman: An Unsolved Serial Killer Case
Overview
The Main South Woodsman is a chilling title given to an unidentified serial killer whose reign of terror took place in Worcester, Massachusetts, between 2002 and 2007. This shadowy figure is believed to have claimed the lives of three to five women, predominantly sex workers, in the Main South neighborhood—a grim testament to the struggles faced by those living on the fringes of society.
Quick Facts
- Victims: 3–5
- Span of Crimes: 2002 – 2004 (possibly until 2007)
- Country: United States
- State: Massachusetts
The Suspect: Alex Scesny
In a twist that thickens the plot, the prime suspect in these murders, Alex F. Scesny, emerged in 2008, following a trail of past offenses that suggested a dark proclivity for violence against women. Despite having a history of sexual abuse and being linked to the murder of a sex worker, Scesny has never faced formal charges in connection to the Main South Woodsman case, leaving these heinous crimes shrouded in mystery.
The Victims
The known victims of the Main South Woodsman were predominantly Hispanic women, characterized by their slim builds, shorter statures, and dark hair. Each victim, aged between 29 and 42 at the time of their deaths, engaged in prostitution and battled drug addiction, illustrating the tragic circumstances surrounding their lives.
Carmen Rudy
The haunting tale began with 29-year-old Carmen Rudy, who vanished from Worcester on September 30, 2002. A mother of two, Carmen had sought help for her drug addiction at the Linda Fay Griffin House, a substance abuse treatment facility. Nearly a year later, her skeletal remains were unearthed on September 29, 2003, in a wooded area on the grounds of Hillside High School in Marlborough.
Betzaida Montalvo
Only a few dozen meters from where Carmen was discovered, authorities unearthed the remains of 29-year-old Betzaida Montalvo, known as Maritele Burgos. Betzaida had gone missing in April 2003 and was a mother of three with a troubled history of drug abuse and prostitution. Initially unidentifiable due to decomposition, forensic scientists later reconstructed her skull to aid in her identification, which was confirmed in April 2004 through DNA matched with her family.
Dinelia Torres
On March 3, 2004, the body of 33-year-old Dinelia Torres surfaced in a wooded area near Hudson, just two kilometers from where the previous victims were found. Like her predecessors, Dinelia battled addiction and had a history of prostitution. Her life story echoes the grim realities faced by many women in similar circumstances, having lost custody of her children and grappling with a drug dependency.
Suspected Victims
The shadows of the Main South Woodsman extended beyond these known victims. In the early hours of September 5, 2004, Wendy A. Morrello, 42, fled her home in a drug-fueled panic and vanished without a trace. Her body was discovered eight days later in York, Maine, fully clothed with her jewelry intact—raising questions about her killer's motives.
Another suspected victim, 35-year-old Lineida Oliveira, was found in the woods near Rutland on September 4, 2007, just two weeks after giving birth to twins. Described as homeless and struggling with chronic drug problems, investigators speculated that her killer was likely someone she knew, given her practice of leaving details about her dates with strangers.
Investigation and Profiling
In a bid to bring the elusive Woodsman to justice, the FBI formed a task force that, with the aid of profilers from New Jersey, sketched a psychological profile of the suspect. They painted a portrait of a blue-collar worker, possibly between the ages of 28 and 41, with a penchant for hunting and fishing. This potential killer likely drove a pickup truck or SUV and hailed from a dysfunctional family where abuse may have fueled a deep-seated hatred towards women.
Alex Scesny: The Prime Suspect
The investigation took a significant turn in May 2008 when authorities identified 38-year-old Alex Scesny as a prime suspect. He had been charged with the rape of a friend and was linked to the cold case murder of prostitute Theresa K. Stone, who had met a brutal end in Fitchburg in 1996. Scesny's violent history with women painted a disturbing picture, yet all questions about his involvement in the Main South Woodsman case remain unanswered.
Despite being convicted for Stone's murder in 2012 and sentenced to life in prison, Scesny has consistently denied any connection to the Woodsman murders. As of March 2025, he has not been charged with any of the other murders, leaving the case—and the fate of the remaining victims—an open wound in the community.
Conclusion
The saga of the Main South Woodsman remains one of unresolved terror and tragedy, highlighting the vulnerabilities of women caught in the throes of addiction and exploitation. As law enforcement continues to investigate, the haunting question lingers: will justice ever be served for the victims and their families?
Sources
- Main South Woodsman - Wikipedia
- Liz Mineo and Matt Lynch (July 24, 2008). "More remains found: Families' pain 'starts all over'". The MetroWest Daily News.
- Kristen Bradley (March 5, 2004). "Mother lives the nightmare again: Old wounds reopened for family of murder victim Carmen Rudy". The Milford Daily News.
- "3 Slayings May Be Connected". Los Angeles Times. March 26, 2004.
- "Suspected victim of serial killer ID'd". The Standard-Times. March 25, 2004.
- Sarah MacDonald (March 5, 2004). "'She was a good girl': Murder victim's family reflects on life marred by drug addiction". The Milford Daily News.
- Bob Ward (September 15, 2016). "Unsolved: Police renew calls for attention to possible Worcester serial killer". WFXT.
- Carolyn Kessel Stewart (February 10, 2005). "Photos released in murder case". The Milford Daily News.
- Carolyn Kessel Stewart (September 18, 2004). "Murder victim has Worcester ties: Link to possible serial killings probed". The Milford Daily News.
- Liz Mineo (September 25, 2007). "A serial killer victim? Sister says no, it was 'someone she knew'". The State Journal-Register.
- Kendall Hatch (April 3, 2012). "Profiler makes case for Scesny's ties to area murders". The MetroWest Daily News.
- Scott J. Croteau (September 11, 2007). "'Woodsman' profile is released". Telegram & Gazette.
- Norman Miller (May 2, 2008). "Berlin man a 'person of interest' in Worcester prostitute murders". The Repository.
- Jean Hodges (May 7, 2008). "Serial killer expert can see why police have 'person of interest'". The Herald News.
- "Convicted killer Alex Scesny, person of interest in 'Main South Woodsman' case asks for conviction to be overturned". The Republican. March 9, 2015.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Victim Disappears
Carmen Rudy, a 29-year-old prostitute, goes missing in Worcester.
Montalvo Goes Missing
Betzaida Montalvo, another victim, goes missing; her remains are later found near Rudy's.
Rudy's Remains Found
The skeletal remains of Carmen Rudy are discovered near Hillside High School.
Third Victim Found
The body of Dinelia Torres is discovered in a wooded area near Hudson.
Morello Disappears
Wendy A. Morrello, a suspected victim, disappears; her body is found days later in Maine.
Oliveira's Remains Found
The remains of Lineida Oliveira are discovered in woods near Rutland.
Prime Suspect Identified
Alex Scesny is named as a prime suspect in the Woodsman murders.
Scesny Convicted
Alex Scesny is convicted for the murder of Theresa K. Stone and sentenced to life.
Case Remains Unsolved
All murders attributed to the Main South Woodsman remain unsolved.