Matthew Nilo, a 35-year-old lawyer, was apprehended after DNA collected from a discarded drinking glass connected him to a series of sexual assaults in Boston between 2007 and 2008. The arrest revealed a seemingly double life led by Nilo in the years following the alleged crimes.
The FBI employed investigative genetic genealogy, a cutting-edge technique used to generate leads in unsolved violent crimes, to identify Nilo as the suspect. This method linked his DNA to evidence found at multiple crime scenes in Boston and Charlestown, where eight women were reportedly assaulted.
Following the alleged assaults, Nilo pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later a law degree from the University of San Francisco. His LinkedIn profile reveals a career trajectory involving paralegal work and positions at various law firms, including Clyde & Co. in San Francisco, Atheria Law in New York City, and Cowbell Cyber, also in New York. He even reportedly got engaged just weeks before his arrest.
Forensic psychologist Kris Mohandie commented on the phenomenon of seemingly normal individuals leading double lives, concealing criminal behavior. He emphasized that the new DNA technology has been instrumental in identifying suspects who might have otherwise gone undetected. "This double life comes with the territory," Mohandie stated, highlighting that such individuals can come from any walk of life.
"[W]hen push comes to shove … these urges, they don't go away."
Mohandie explained that offenders may have periods of inactivity between crimes, potentially due to increased caution or other preoccupations. However, he stressed that the urge to re-offend can resurface, sometimes leading to preplanned criminal activity.
Nilo's initial charges included three counts of aggravated rape, two counts of kidnapping, one count of assault with intent to rape, and one count of indecent assault and battery. A grand jury later indicted him on seven additional charges, including rape, aggravated rape, assault with intent to rape, and indecent assault and battery. Nilo's attorney maintains his client's innocence and plans to challenge the government's case.
Released on $500,000 bail, Nilo is awaiting his next court appearance. One of the accusers, Lori Pinkham, expressed concerns about his release, fearing for the community's safety. She recounted her alleged 2007 attack, claiming Nilo forced her into a vehicle at gunpoint. Nilo’s attorney has questioned the methods used to obtain the DNA evidence.
