The Butcher of Bellerose: Two-Time Killer Set to be Released from Prison

Introduction

Vincent DeRosa, infamously known as “The Butcher of Bellerose,” is set to be released from prison after serving 35 years of a maximum lifetime sentence. DeRosa was convicted of two brutal murders, including that of a 4-year-old girl and an 18-year-old exchange student. The decision by the state parole board to release him has left the victims’ families horrified.

A History of Violence

In 1968, at the age of 16, DeRosa lured his 4-year-old neighbor, Theresa Riccio, from her stoop, brutally killed her, and concealed her body in a suitcase. Shockingly, he then participated in the citywide search for the missing girl. Eleven days later, Theresa’s body was discovered in the attic of DeRosa’s mother’s home in Woodhaven. Her legs and neck were broken, leaving her family devastated.

The Impact on the Family

Anthony Riccio, Theresa’s brother, expressed his shock and heartbreak upon learning about DeRosa’s impending release. He vividly recalled the day his mother informed him and his siblings about Theresa’s disappearance. The family endured immense pain and suffering, with their mother blaming herself for the tragedy. The loss of Theresa had a lasting impact on the entire family, and they were forced to walk by her burial site every day.

A Second Murder

After serving seven years in prison for Theresa’s murder, DeRosa was released in 1975. However, in 1983, he struck again. Tomi Uuttu, an 18-year-old Finnish exchange student, disappeared after a night of drinking with DeRosa. Two years later, Uuttu’s skeletal remains were discovered in DeRosa’s brother’s backyard by his other siblings. The killer’s eyeglasses found in the shallow grave provided damning evidence against him.

The Butcher of Bellerose

DeRosa was convicted of Uuttu’s murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He has now served 35 years behind bars. Despite the efforts of the Riccio family, who regularly wrote letters to the state Parole Board advocating for DeRosa’s continued imprisonment, the board approved his release. The decision has raised concerns about the board’s prioritization of prisoners’ ages and health over the severity of their crimes.

Conclusion

Vincent DeRosa, known as “The Butcher of Bellerose,” is set to be released from prison after serving 35 years for two brutal murders. The decision by the state parole board has left the victims’ families devastated. Despite their pleas for him to remain behind bars, DeRosa will soon be free again, raising questions about the parole board’s decision-making process.