Contact: Beth Stone 508-584-8120
BROCKTON – A man has pleaded not guilty to a charge that he bludgeoned his Bridgewater neighbor to death, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz has announced.
This afternoon, Dinis Moreira, 69, of Bridgewater, pleaded not guilty to one count of Murder in Brockton District Court. After examination by a court clinician, Moreira was held without bail and will be sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for a 20-day evaluation.
At approximately 12:34 a.m. this morning, Bridgewater Police received a call on their business line from a family member of Moreira’s. The caller reported that he arrived at his relative’s home at 134 Spring Street and found an injured female party on the floor. Bridgewater Police responded to the scene and found a female victim with severe trauma to her head and face. The victim was transported to Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton where she was pronounced deceased from her injuries. She has been identified as 58 year-old Valerie Oakhem.
Bridgewater Police contacted Massachusetts State Police and an investigation commenced. Preliminarily, the investigation has determined that Moreira allegedly bludgeoned Oakhem to death. Both Moreira and the victim live in separate homes on Spring Street. Investigators believe that this was a targeted act of violence and not random. The investigation is ongoing.
The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner took jurisdiction of the case and will determine the manner and cause of death.
Moreira is next scheduled to be in court on June 14.