Prominent Everett Woman Murdered After Revealing History of Domestic Violence
Ersilia Cataldo Matarazzo, an esteemed member of the Everett community and mother to three adult children, was tragically murdered shortly after disclosing her history of domestic violence. The shocking incident occurred on December 19, 2018, as Cataldo Matarazzo sat in her car outside her parents’ home on Central Avenue. She was shot multiple times and lost her life at the scene.
Cataldo Matarazzo had bravely come forward in November 2018, confiding in relatives about the violent nature of her relationship with her husband. She shared distressing details of how she had been scratched and strangled by him. Determined to escape the abusive situation, she moved in with her parents and filed for divorce just two days later, citing an irretrievable breakdown in their marriage.
Authorities found six spent shotgun shells at the crime scene, leading them to launch an investigation into the murder. Shockingly, the accused murderer was Cataldo Matarazzo’s own husband, Emilio Matarazzo. Approximately two hours after the fatal shooting, he turned himself into the police. Further evidence was discovered when a search warrant unveiled the murder weapon, a Beretta .12 gauge shotgun, hidden in the basement of a property owned by the couple.
Matarazzo, who had been held without bail, was evaluated multiple times for his mental state during his time in jail. Before the trial, he was found competent to stand trial, and following a 16-day trial, the jurors convicted him of murder in the first degree with deliberate premeditation and extreme atrocity or cruelty.
The devastating loss of Cataldo Matarazzo has roiled the Everett community, particularly because of her deep connections within the city. She was not only a mother and a cherished member of her family but also a dedicated public servant, serving as a member of the Everett Board of Assessors. Additionally, she was the second cousin of Everett’s Mayor, Carlo DeMaria, who paid tribute to her as a very loving, caring woman with a strong commitment to her family, community, and church.
This heartbreaking incident sheds a light on the pervasive nature of domestic violence and the dangers faced by victims trying to escape abusive relationships. District Attorney Marian Ryan emphasized that leaving a relationship is a critical time and can escalate the risk for victims. The conviction of Emilio Matarazzo serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and provide resources for victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Matarazzo’s conviction marks the second conviction this month in a domestic violence murder case for Ryan’s office, highlighting the alarming and far-reaching consequences of such violence. To combat this issue, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office collaborates with domestic violence service agencies to offer survivors the support and resources they need. Ryan also promotes a dedicated text line that provides victims with direct access to advocates, offering a safe space to seek help and support.
The loss of Ersilia Cataldo Matarazzo has had a profound impact on her family, neighbors, and friends. In the wake of her tragic murder, they have united to draw attention to the importance of addressing domestic violence as a community issue. Through their efforts to raise awareness and provide resources, they aim to prevent further tragedies and support those affected by this pervasive problem.
As the case brings attention to the pressing issue of domestic violence, Ryan urges everyone to recognize its prevalence and join the fight against it. Domestic violence knows no boundaries and can occur in any home or community. By fostering a culture that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all individuals, we can hope to create a society free from the grips of domestic violence.
The conviction of Emilio Matarazzo for the murder of Ersilia Cataldo Matarazzo serves as a stark reminder of the urgent work that must be done to eradicate domestic violence. It is essential to support victims and survivors, raise awareness, and provide resources that empower individuals to break free from abusive relationships. Through collective efforts, we can strive for a safer and more compassionate society.
