Boston 25 Investigates questions closure of Joey Domenici case

Police classify 2019 death as accidental fentanyl overdose

On Nov. On 4, 2019, 21-year‑old Joseph "Joey" Deprimeo‑Domenici was discovered deceased inside Room 2113 at a Quality Inn in Lexington, with local and state authorities classifying the incident as an unattended death and likely overdose. Following an examination, the Massachusetts medical examiner concluded the cause of death was acute fentanyl intoxication, which was ruled accidental. Investigators discovered Joey lying on a bed under a comforter clad only in his underwear; while there was no visible trauma, they cataloged small quantities of white powder, a room key containing matching residue, two disassembled pens potentially used as tubes, and various items including marijuana, clothing, food, and video games. The State Police report additionally noted the existence of the white powder and the pens.

Family raises concerns about businessman Bryan W. Murphy

Documentation from the Massachusetts State Police indicates that Joey’s mother and girlfriend expressed apprehension regarding an older businessman who claimed to have discovered Joey’s body, with the girlfriend informing investigators of her belief that the man had previously funded a hotel room for sexual purposes. That police report designated the investigation "closed‑solved" on July 12, 2024, without issuing criminal charges, leading Joey’s family to contend that the file was shut before authorities thoroughly probed allegations of drug use and sexual exploitation. Carla Domenici, Joey’s mother, informed 25 Investigates reporter Ted Daniel that three individuals approached police to report that Joey had shared information with them. Joey’s mother further stated to the investigator that she was unaware her son had departed rehabilitation and promptly voiced concerns regarding Murphy.

Bryan W. Murphy, 69, a prosperous Woburn businessman and former Lions Club president, informed police that he covered the cost of Joey’s flight and was assisting him in getting back on his feet. Financial and hotel records examined by 25 Investigates reveal that Murphy funded 128 nights at the Quality Inn, which is now closed, during 2019; the establishment is located approximately a 15‑minute drive from Murphy’s residence. Joey’s mother informed the investigator that she was unaware her son had exited rehabilitation and promptly expressed concerns about Murphy.

Missing phone and deleted messages complicate case

Investigators never recovered Domenici’s phone. Murphy told police that Domenici claimed the device was lost or broken. Domenici’s girlfriend told police that Domenici said he had broken his phone the Friday before he died.

Subsequently, Murphy informed a State Police detective that he had erased his text messages with Domenici. Murphy also declined to provide his own phone when investigators asked for it.

Civil lawsuit alleges long-term sexual exploitation

The Domenici family filed a civil lawsuit in Middlesex Superior Court alleging that Murphy began sexually abusing and exploiting Domenici in 2012 when he was 14. The lawsuit claims Murphy exchanged sexually explicit messages and images, offered Percocet for sexual acts, and controlled Domenici while he struggled with addiction. It is alleged by the family that Murphy facilitated Domenici’s departure from rehabilitation, transported him back to Massachusetts, and checked him into a hotel. These claims have not been proven at trial.

The lawsuit includes testimony from other men. One individual stated that Domenici introduced him to Murphy at the hotel in 2016, and that Murphy provided money to Domenici following sexual activity. A different man provided testimony that Murphy transported him to that same motel when he was 14 or 15 and instructed him to "drop his pants". This witness said Murphy referred to others making money when he refused the request.

Domenici’s sister, Alyssa Domenici, said other victims that came forward felt they couldn’t even come forward and felt nervous. Domenici’s girlfriend informed police of her belief that Murphy consistently maintained a hotel room for the purpose of engaging in sex with young men. She claimed to have viewed screenshots that corroborated an allegation that Murphy funded a room in return for sexual acts. After police cleared the hotel room, the family alleges they found needles and a bag of suspected narcotics.

Bryan W. Murphy and legal team deny all allegations

Bryan W. Murphy denies all allegations of wrongdoing. His attorney, Eric G. Penley characterized Joey Domenici as a troubled teenager struggling with drug addiction who exhibited a history of dishonesty.

Penley described the death as the consequence of long-term drug abuse and a self-administered fentanyl overdose occurring in 2019. Murphy told 25 Investigates that he believes police conducted a proper investigation.

Regarding the hotel room rentals, Murphy’s lawyer said Murphy rented them so he could pray and be alone. Within a distinct, now-settled defamation lawsuit, Murphy declared that he covered the cost of a few days at the Quality Inn due to his worry regarding Domenici potentially becoming homeless.

The same legal complaint claimed that Domenici stayed for at least a week with his girlfriend following his departure from rehab and requested that Murphy fund his flight home. Upon being questioned as to why he had not provided his phone to law enforcement, Murphy stated he had nothing to say and directed 25 Investigates to contact his attorney.

Penley noted that Murphy anticipates the chance to share the facts in court, where the burden of proof for her allegations will rest with the plaintiff. Out of consideration for the court and the active judicial process, Murphy will refrain from making any additional public statements.

Experts and family call for further investigation

Connecticut civil attorney Joel Faxon reviewed the circumstances and described them as a very disturbing pattern. Faxon said a deep dive is required to determine if there is criminality and to turn over other stones.

In separate Connecticut matters, local and state police utilized surveillance and search warrants to pursue human trafficking charges against three men. The family of Domenici claims that the absence of a broader criminal inquiry leaves questions unanswered regarding his final days and the allegations that surfaced following his passing.

Carla Domenici said there has to be accountability and questioned why the situation is considered acceptable.

District Attorney office cites high burden of proof

The State Police detective responsible for closing the case is stationed at the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. A spokesperson for District Attorney Marian Ryan said the office cannot comment on matters where no criminal charges have been filed.

The spokesperson noted that pursuing criminal prosecution requires meeting a higher burden of proof than in civil court.

Civil trial rescheduled for February 2027

The civil trial against Murphy was originally set to begin in May 2026. Murphy failed to appear for the trial, and his attorney told the court he had a medical emergency.

The court rescheduled the trial for February 2027.