Harwich Homicide Victims Remembered

 HARWICH – A memorial tribute and candlelight vigil was held in Brooks Park on Sunday evening to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the murders of two community members. 

Briannna Welsh, 25, succumbed to knife attack wounds last July 31 in Lynn. Nicholas J. Miller died of gunshot wounds on Aug. 17 in New Bedford.

The memorial tribute provided an opportunity to draw attention to victims of homicide and to call for justice while honoring the memories of two young Harwich residents whose lives were cut short by domestic and street violence.

Brianna Welsh, pregnant at the time, was found dead in her home in Lynn, the victim of multiple sharp force injuries. Brendon Vozzella, 24, who also resided at Ms. Welsh’s address, had been arrested on July 30 after a report of domestic violence had been filed against him. Vozzella’s brother, Zachary Vozella, 26, was arrested and charged with her murder on Aug. 1, 2024.       

 Nicholas Miller was shot outside a bar in New Bedford on Aug. 17. Raymond Albury, 27, was charged with his murder.  He was believed to have shot and killed Miller during a fight involving a woman after a night of drinking, according to court documents. Patrice Miller, Nicholas Miller’s mother, said on Sunday evening that her son had bought Albury dinner that night.

Ms. Welsh was born and raised in Harwich, starting preschool at Harwich Elementary School and graduating from Monomoy Regional High School in 2017. Mr. Miller attended Harwich High School. 

“This tribute seeks to honor their memories while raising awareness for the affected family members and all victims, giving voice to those who are no longer with us,” said David Guarino of Survivors Say, the non-profit organization that coordinated the tribute.

Survivors Say is dedicated to providing survivors, victims, and their families with free strategic communications services and resources in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy, when or if they choose to tell their story, according to its website.

During Sunday’s tribute the 50 or so people in attendance learned more about Ms. Welsh and Mr. Miller and heard presentations on violence prevention, community involvement, and the need for more stringent laws protecting victims from perpetrators of domestic violence.  

Guarino began the tribute reading a remembrance of Brianna written by her mother, Claudia Welsh.

“Brianna’s extraordinary spirit ignited hearts, inspiring countless individuals with her remarkable resilience,” he read. “She possessed a special gift, always knowing just what to do to soothe and comfort her siblings. As the years passed, Brianna blossomed into a beautiful young lady inside and out.” 

Welsh’s remembrance continues, “As she navigated the hall of Monomoy Regional High School, Brianna’s infectious enthusiasm and zest for life inspired her classmates and teachers alike. Even on the day of her graduation, Brianna’s thoughts were with those she loved, as she proudly declared, ‘Mom, I may be graduating from Monomoy Regional, but I’ll always be a Rough Rider at heart.”   

“She had a heart of gold,” said George Sowpel, one of Welsh’s teachers at Monomoy. Looking at photographs of the two victims, he  said “the generosity and compassion in their hearts are the legacy they leave.”

“He had flaws, but he was a good person,” said Patrice Miller, adding her son called her every day to make sure she was all right. “The first year is hard and the second year will be harder,” she added.

There is no justice for victims in Massachusetts, Miller said. She said prisoners get iPads and have televisions in jail, and now officials are considering ending life sentencing. Before the tribute she said she would not be available for media interviews.

Cape and Islands Senator, Julian Cyr, D-Provincetown, said Patrice Miller and Claudia Welsh have been actively seeking to change laws related to assault and domestic violence. They see the laws as too lenient and have been before the legislature, he said.

“You may wonder what constitutes domestic violence,” Welsh said in her prepared statement. “When you hear the term, you might think of physical abuse, but in reality, it often begins with subtle control, such as being told what you cannot do, what to wear, and having your freedom gradually restricted by your partner, to the point of isolation from your family. Even though they may claim to love you, they simultaneously harbor hatred towards you, becoming obsessively possessive and jealous. Then it escalates.”

Claudia Welsh said she strongly believes an assault perpetrator should be held in custody until the court hearing the following day, adding the standard six-hour holding time is often insufficient. An officer should accompany a victim to their home to ensure removal of individuals who pose a threat to their safety, she added. When a request is made to remove someone from a lease due to safety concerns, it is imperative there is follow through, she said. 

Sowpel said Harwich has many grassroots resources and is a community that stands by and supports its residents. He urged people to reach out and make calls when they need assistance or if they see someone in need of assistance. 

Chris Morin, the director of prevention, education and outreach at Independence House in Hyannis, said victims are often afraid to reach out. She urged people to “look for red flags” when they know someone is in an unhealthy situation.  

Independence House, which focuses on domestic violence prevention, receives 7,000 to 8,000 contacts a year, according to Morin. She urged people to use Independence House as a resource. 

Cyr said the loss of two young people to violence is a tragedy that no community should have to bear, and for it to happen in Harwich is unspeakable.

“These losses are not inevitable, they are preventable,” Cyr said. “We’ve got a heck of a lot more work to do.”