Naman Shrestha
In the episode titled ‘The Murder of Big Joe’ of Investigation Discovery’s ‘Who Hired the Hitman?,’ the primary focus is on the tragic killing of a 45-year-old landscaper named Joseph “Joe” Niwinski in his West Hartford, Connecticut, residence in late 2000. The investigation uncovered a deadly murder-for-hire plot that led them to multiple perpetrators responsible for carrying out the gruesome murder. The documentary also features exclusive and insightful interviews with Joe’s loved ones and the relatives of the perpetrators.
Joe Niwinski Was Found Dead in His House by a Close Friend
Joseph Niwinski was born on September 14, 1955, in a tight-knit household, where he was raised with immense love and warmth. While growing up, he had the support of his siblings, sister, Barbara Loyd, and brother, Frank Niwinski Jr., whose company he deeply cherished. He was adored by all and affectionately referred to as Joe. At a young age, he and Frank lent their father a hand at his snow removal business. Reminiscing on one of their core childhood memories, Frank stated, “When we were growing up we worked for my father’s snow removal business and Joe would get all of his friends to work with us, and after we were done, we would play cards and pool and win all of our money back.”
Sometime in his pre-teen or teen years, Joe met Petti Cheever, and the two took a liking to each other. Soon, they entered into a relationship and dated for six years before deciding to get married, just a year after graduating high school. However, after a while, things didn’t work out between the two, and they eventually went their separate ways. As far as his profession is concerned, Joe built a career in the landscaping business. He had a passion for outdoor activities and seized every opportunity to head outside and go fishing. Additionally, he enjoyed the thrill of racing cars and motorcycles. Joe was a free-spirited individual who had a zest for life and was always up for diving into adventures.
By the time 2020 rolled around, Joe was leading a fulfilling life both professionally and personally. He was a resident of Whiting Avenue in West Hartford, Connecticut. He had also made significant development on the romantic front and was dating Rosemary Cusano. Unfortunately, on December 14, 2000, the family and friends of the 45-year-old lost him forever as he was found dead in his apartment by his close friend, Raymond Coladonato, who immediately called the authorities. When the police reached the residence, they declared him dead due to a fatal gunshot wound. As they began looking for evidence, the officers observed no signs of forced entry and noted that his wallet was left open. They also recovered a Remington bolt-action rifle as well as bullets that bear the name “Joe” on it. An investigation into Joe’s death was swiftly launched.
Three Individuals Were Linked to Joe Niwinski’s Murder
As part of the investigation, the authorities delved deep into the life of Joseph “Joe” Niwinski and the circumstances surrounding his sudden demise. Since he was in a romantic relationship with Rosemary Cusano, they considered her a potential person of interest in the case, but couldn’t find any evidence of her involvement in the crime. Upon digging deeper, the detectives learned that one of Joe’s friends, Mark Pascual, was romantically interested in Rosemary. It turned out that his obsession with Joe’s girlfriend led Mark to plot Joe’s murder so that he could date her.
On December 10, 2000, Mark reportedly closed his marine shop for the day and asked Eduardo Santiago if he could connect him with someone who would do the killing for him. It was alleged that Eduardo agreed to help him and contacted his friend, Matthew “Matt” Tyrell, who agreed to carry out the murder. In return, Mark offered to give the two men a snowmobile and pay off their credit card bills. Eduardo even made a rifle silencer from a plastic soda bottle and also scratched Joe’s name on the bullets. A couple of days later, on December 13, the trio went to his garage apartment on Whiting Avenue in West Hartford. While Mark allegedly waited outside the house, one of the other two men shot Joe to death in his sleep with the gun that had the homemade silencer attached to it.
Upon searching Eduardo’s house on Forest Street, the detectives discovered the murder weapon, which was a Remington bolt-action rifle, and multiple bullets with Joe’s name scratched on them. Eventually, Mark, Eduardo, and Matthew were arrested before Christmas and charged with murder, felony murder, capital felony murder, first-degree burglary, and conspiracy. The three men possessed several of Joe’s belongings, including his watches and cell phone. It turned out that Matthew had multiple run-ins with the law in the past year or so, including charges involving violating a protective order, sixth-degree larceny, and third-degree forgery.
Mark, Eduardo and Matt Are Serving Their Respective Sentences at Separate Connecticut Prison Facilities
Instead of going to trial, Mark Pascual pleaded guilty to murder, conspiracy to commit murder, burglary in the first-degree, larceny in the third degree, and stealing a firearm. He was sentenced to 80 years in prison for his involvement in the killing of Joseph “Joe” Niwinski. Similarly, in December 2002, Matthew “Matt” Tyrell also pleaded guilty to capital felony murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In exchange, he agreed to testify against Eduardo Santiago during his trial. Around early August 2004, Eduardo Santiago stood trial for the murder of Joe.
During his trial, both Mark and Matt testified against their accomplice, claiming that he had pulled the trigger on the fateful night. Five days into the trial, the jury deliberated and returned with a final verdict. On August 5, he was found guilty of ten counts, including capital felony murder, murder, and felony murder, for killing the 45-year-old landscaper in his sleep. A few weeks later, on August 31, his sentencing hearing took place. He took the stand and extended his apologies towards Joe’s family members. Eduardo stated, “I hope you consider my words. Because only through forgiveness can healing start for everybody.” Eventually, the then 32-year-old convict was sentenced to death, in addition to 45 years and three months of incarceration.
Following the hearing, Joe’s brother, Frank Niwinski Jr., stated, “The jury spoke for the family and nobody came out a winner. Everyone lost in one way or another. At least he (Santiago) is still breathing and can get visitors, but us — he took my brother from us and we can never talk to him again.” Several years later, in 2015, his death penalty was reportedly overturned, and he was resentenced to life in prison. As of today, Mark Pascual and Eduardo Santiago are serving their respective sentences at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution in Suffield, Connecticut. Meanwhile, Matt Tyrell is currently incarcerated at Cheshire Correctional Institution in Cheshire, Connecticut.
