Worcester Couple Overcomes Addiction, Homelessness & Encounters with a Murderer to Rebuild Their Lives
Lydia Willey and Richie Contreras, a brave couple from Worcester, Massachusetts, have defied the odds and rebuilt their lives after facing addiction, homelessness, and an unexpected encounter with a murderer. Their inspiring journey of recovery and redemption serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.
The couple’s story began four years ago when they found themselves living on the streets of Worcester, homeless and battling addiction. It was during this time that they met Carlos Asencio, a troubled young man new to the streets. Little did they know that their act of kindness would thrust them into the middle of a horrific murder investigation.
On July 3, 2019, Asencio informed Lydia and Richie that he had a date and left in a cab. Unbeknownst to them, he was planning to murder his ex-girlfriend, Amanda Dabrowski, who was tragically stabbed 58 times that day. Lydia and Richie found themselves unwittingly caught up in the aftermath of the murder, as the building they had been staying in became part of the investigation.
At Worcester Superior Court, Lydia, filled with remorse and sympathy for Amanda’s grieving family, testified as a prosecution witness during Asencio’s trial. To her relief, Amanda’s mother and sister embraced her, offering forgiveness and gratitude for her presence. This unexpected display of compassion helped Lydia find closure and reinforce her belief in the existence of both evil and goodness in the world.
Although many might assume that their encounter with a murderer would have been their turning point, Lydia and Richie continued their battle with addiction for two more years. Their addiction led them to live on the streets, in abandoned buildings, and engage in activities such as prostitution for survival. However, everything changed when Lydia discovered she was pregnant with their daughter, Vera Rey Contreras. This realization served as a powerful catalyst for change.
Fearful of losing her child to the foster care system, Lydia made the decision to embark on a path to recovery. On November 2, 2021, she and Richie sought shelter at the Queen Street Shelter in Worcester. It was on this same day that Vera’s case was changed from adoption to reunification—an incredibly rare occurrence indicating a second chance for Lydia and Richie to rebuild their family.
Overcoming numerous obstacles, Lydia went to rehab, moved to a halfway house, and sought support from Living in Freedom Together, a nonprofit organization in Worcester that assists women struggling with addiction and those affected by the sex trade. Through perseverance and determination, Lydia secured employment at Petco in Shrewsbury, thanks to her honesty about needing a job to regain custody of her daughter. Richie also found employment at OSL, achieving a managerial position.
Together, they found a room at the YWCA and continued to work towards stability. They placed an ad on Craigslist searching for an apartment and, with the help of a compassionate landlord, finally secured a place to call home. They also acquired a car, which offered them newfound freedom and opportunities.
Though the journey to recovery is challenging, Lydia and Richie hold onto hope and newfound appreciation for the simple joys of life. As they work towards financial stability, they recognize that hardships still exist, but they remain committed to overcoming them. Their resilience and commitment to change serve as an inspiration to others facing similar struggles.
This story of overcoming addiction, homelessness, and encountering a murderer is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Lydia and Richie’s transformation demonstrates that with determination, support, and love, it is possible to rebuild lives and create a better future. Their story serves as a reminder that no matter how challenging life may be, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.
