Welfare check uncovers brutal murder of nonbinary teen

Shane Curry, 20, has been arrested for murdering his teenage partner in Stow, Massachusetts, on April 5.

Curry was taken into custody after police discovered the body of Nevaeh "River" Goddard, 17, in the couple's shared bedroom. As per the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office, officers were first summoned to the home for a welfare check. Upon their arrival, they faced resistance from Curry, who refused to unlock the door for close to two hours.

Stow Police Chief Michael Sallese, who had previous interactions with Curry during a mental health crisis, eventually entered the bedroom. Officers discovered Goddard's body without signs of life, with bruises and stab wounds all over. The teenager was declared deceased at the location.

Court documents reveal that Curry allegedly admitted to attacking Goddard during an argument over suspected infidelity. The indictment states that Curry told police, "The bruises aren't working. Hitting her, that's not working, so okay, I have to knife her, so I do." Investigators reportedly found a sword and a kitchen knife in the bedroom, with the sword believed to be the primary weapon used in the attack.

An autopsy revealed multiple puncture wounds to Goddard's neck, torso, arms, and liver. Curry allegedly described the act as "horrifying" and claimed he attempted to take his own life after realizing Goddard was no longer breathing.

On Sept. 4, Curry appeared before Judge Patrick Haggaan at Middlesex Superior Court, where he was charged with first-degree murder. This upgraded charge follows his initial arraignment on April 6 for assault and battery on a household member and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury.

Goddard, who identified as non-binary and preferred she/they pronouns, had a difficult childhood. Goddard was born while their mother was in jail and was in foster care and reported missing by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children since April 2022.

Despite these hardships, Goddard was remembered fondly by family and friends. An obituary described them as having an "amazing, outgoing personality" and noted their love for music and creativity.