New England’s Unsolved: Potential Brockton serial killer

Humboldt Ward, for more than a decade, the streets of Brockton have held a deadly secret. Two murdered women, three violent rapes, all committed by the same person. By the FBI's own definition, authorities are on the hunt for a serial killer. In this New England Unsolved, how one victim's family is determined to find justice. Nearly 12 years ago, just days after Christmas 2014, this peaceful wooded area, only a stone's throw away from the Brockton VFW, was revealed as a killer's dumping ground. It was here that police found the mutilated body of 20-year-old Ashley Mylett. Ashley was dismembered. And as investigators recovered Ashley's remains, they found another body. 50-year-old Linda Shufelt. She had been missing for five months. But the case does not end there. Unknown DNA collected from one of the bodies matched unknown DNA in three violent rapes that took place in Brockton in 2013 and 2014. Two murders, three rapes, five victims, one suspect. How frustrating is it to be in this position and not have any answers? It's ridiculous, the anger, the depression. I mean, it's just horrible. I can't explain the feeling to you. Mark Mylett is Ashley's father. He is haunted by his daughter's murder. He is determined to find justice. What can you tell me about the condition of Ashley's body and how she died? Horrified. I mean, we couldn't even have a viewing for her, you know, at a wake. It's unlikely that any of the victims knew the suspect. All of the women were vulnerable. They battled drug addiction and were involved in prostitution. So state police investigators have turned to forensic science. The Plymouth County D.A.'s office sent the unknown DNA that connects the crimes to Parabon Nano Labs. In 2018, I traveled to Reston, Virginia, where Parabon is located. Parabon's DNA analysis, a process called phenotyping, resulted in this image of what the killer likely looks like. We're able to give the investigator that new lead that they need to finally put all the pieces together and solve those cases. Do you think that's the guy that took Ashley? Yeah, I do. Investigators are also searching DNA databases, hoping to find a family member of the suspect. In 2018, Plymouth County D.A. Tim Cruz told me the case is a priority. They're targeting the weak, they're targeting the vulnerable, and therefore it's more important than ever that we make sure that people understand we're not going to idly sit by while that occurs. Nearly eight years later and still waiting for answers, Mark Mylett tells me he wants justice for Ashley, but he's also thinking about others who are on the streets right now. Do you think this guy's a serial killer? Absolutely. I don't think this is his first time or his last. If you have any information about this case, contact the Massachusetts State Police tip line at 508-894-2584. For New England's Unsolved, I'm Bob Ward, Boston 25 News.