Episode 93 | Cold Case Update: Henry Bedard, Jr, Swampscott, Mass with Bob Ward of Boston 25 News

Anngelle Wood
6 hours ago
2 min read

New England Cold Case Update. In this episode of Crime of the Truest Kind, we revisit the unsolved 1974 murder of Henry Bedard Jr. in Swampscott, Massachusetts—a cold case that still haunts the North Shore.

Veteran crime reporter Bob Ward talks about the renewed investigation into the 1974 unsolved murder of Henry Bedard Jr., a 15-year-old from Swampscott, Massachusetts. Bob broke the story of Henry’s October 1, 2025 exhumation at Swampscott Cemetery, a major development led by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Together, we revisit the details of Henry’s disappearance after Christmas shopping in Vinnin Square, the discovery of his body behind the present-day DPW building, and the mysteries surrounding Henry's death, and the murder weapon left behind. This episode explores the power of forensic science, the persistence of cold case investigators, and the enduring grief and hope of a community. The arm of justice is long.

Timeline of Henry Bedard Jr.’s disappearance and murder
Details of the 2025 exhumation and forensic goals
Bob Ward’s reflections on covering cold cases
Ethical storytelling, advocacy, and community remembrance

If you have information about the murder of Henry Bedard Jr., contact the Essex County District Attorney’s Office - 978-745-6610 - Swampscott Police - 781-595-1111, Mass State Police at 1-855-MA-SOLVE.

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Bob Ward Boston 25 News reporting breaks the case on Henry Bedard, Jr's exhumation

PHOTOS FROM EPISODE 93: Hope Cottage, Boston 25 News photos, Henry Bedard, Jr from the Bedard family, the murder weapon, the perfume Henry got for his sister Cheryl, her favorite.