By John Lynds
Joey Brancato is a 21-year-old Winthrop native who has seemed to disappeared off the face of the earth a week before Thanksgiving leaving no trace or clues to his whereabouts.
On November 18, Joey was last seen in Roslindale at 10 Mendelsohn St. in the company of an acquaintance that, according to those connected with the investigation. According to the family, Joey had a past history with drugs but was on the straight and narrow and was excited to start a new chapter in his life by joining the U.S. Marines.
“Joey was a Marine recruit allegedly living with his Marine recruiter in Roslindale,” said his cousin Nicole DaSilva.
According to police, all of Joey’s personal belongings, including his cell phone, were allegedly left at the recruiter’s house when he went missing just about two months ago.
The NCIS confirmed they are assisting Boston Police with this missing person case and that the Marine Corps Recruiting Office at 1408 Centre St, Roslindale had been searched as part of the investigation and was closed for about two weeks in December. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office also confirmed Joey’s disappearance is still an active missing persons investigation.
“Joey’s family has worked with the Boston Police in Roslindale and the homicide unit at BPD headquarters,” said DaSilva. “BPD and State Police searched many of the wooded areas in the Roslindale/Hyde Park area. Family and friends have also searched these areas. We do not have any answers and to date, no updates. We are told this is still a very active investigation, which is why BPD homicide unit says they can’t release details.”
DaSilva said Joey’s family continues to ask that people share Joey’s story.
“We can’t let it become a cold case,” she said. “He has family who are devastated without him. Thank you to all of his friends, especially his Winthrop crew for spending time on New Year’s Eve searching for your friend!
Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers and for continuing to share. Help us find Joey.”
Joey is described as a white male standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds. He has a shaved head and a distinct mole below his right nostril. If you have any information about the whereabouts of Joseph “Joey†Brancato, contact the Boston Police Department District E-5 Detectives directly at 617-343-4566 or the Boston Police Department Homicide Unit at Boston Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470 reference case #BOMA20171125JB.