Shivangi Sinha
Maureen Brainard-Barnes was last seen by her family in July 2007. Originally from Connecticut, she had traveled to New York for work but never returned. At the time, she was a mother to two young children, Nicolette Brainard-Barnes and Dylan Haggett of Norwich. Her mother, Marie Ducharme, and her sister, then known as Melissa Vieu, desperately searched for answers but were met with silence. It wasn’t until December 2010 that they finally learned what had happened — Maureen’s remains were discovered in Long Island, New York. Her story is featured in Netflix’s ‘Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer,’ highlighting not only the impact of her loss but also the profound grief her family endured in their search for justice.
Maureen Brainard-Barnes’ Family Quickly Reported Her Missing
Maureen Brainard-Barnes was the daughter of Marie Ducharme and William Vieu Sr., but she was raised by her mother and stepfather, Robert Senecal. Marie lived in New London, Connecticut, and had two other children, William Vieu Jr. and Melissa Vieu. After marrying Robert, she welcomed another daughter, Bryonna Marie, and there was a lot of love and acceptance in her blended family. Marie took great pride in her children and cherished watching them grow into their own unique selves. Maureen, too, found love and married Jason Brainard-Barnes and was eager to start a family life with him.
Even though Maureen’s marriage did not last, she remained a devoted mother to her two children, Nicolette Brainard-Barnes and Dylan Haggett, who were the center of her world. She worked as a seasonal telemarketer, but financial struggles made it difficult for her to provide for her family. To make ends meet, she turned to sex work. Maureen had a mortgage on her home, but towards the end of 2006, she reportedly attempted to leave the industry and sought alternative ways to support her family. However, by July 2007, her financial situation had worsened, and she received an eviction notice. With no other viable options, she made the decision to return to escort work. On July 9, 2007, Maureen informed her family that she was heading to New York for the day, and that was the last time they saw her.
Melissa Vieu said that she later received a phone call from her sister, during which she expressed her desire to return to Connecticut. However, since no one was available to pick her up, Maureen said she would take the train back. Unfortunately, she never made it home. Concerned for her safety, Marie and the rest of the family filed a missing persons report within 48 hours, but progress on the case was slow. The family alleged that Maureen’s line of work played a role in the authorities not taking her disappearance seriously. At the time, her children were just 7 and 5 years old, too young to understand why their mother never returned. It wasn’t until December 2010—over three years later—that they finally received answers. Her remains were discovered in the Ocean Parkway area of Long Island, New York, confirming their worst fears.
Nicolette Brainard-Barnes is Strongly Advocating For Her Mother’s Justice Today
Nicolette Brainard-Barnes spoke publicly about her mother’s case for the first time in January 2024 following the arrest of Rex Heuermann. He has been accused of murdering Maureen Brainard-Barnes, along with several other women whose remains were discovered in the same area. Nicolette shared that for years, it felt as though justice would never come for her mother. She expressed how losing Maureen had completely altered the course of her life, and there were countless moments when she desperately needed her mother, but “she was not there.”
She reminisced about how her mother used to read to her, yet she could no longer remember the sound of her voice. Despite the pain, she said she had never let go of the hope for justice, and the indictment finally brought a sense of relief and renewed hope for her and her family. Now around 25 years old, Nicolette Brainard-Barnes has built a life for herself in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. She graduated from North Kingstown High School and, along with her brother, was raised by her maternal family. As children, the siblings were given only limited details about their mother’s death, but as they grew older, they uncovered the truth on their own.
Much like Maureen, Nicolette possesses strength and resilience, traits she attributes to her mother. She has been vocal about social and political issues, openly advocating against sexism, racism, and other societal injustices. In 2022, she even spoke candidly about her decision to terminate a pregnancy, highlighting her commitment to bodily autonomy and women’s rights. She is also very close to her family, especially her father, and often reunites with her aunt and cousins for special occasions. She has found the strength to fight for her mother alongside them and has been keeping up with the updates on the case. Dylan Hagget, on the other hand, has kept a low profile and has not shared much about his life.
Marie Ducharme Loves Her Grandchildren Dearly
Marie Ducharme has endured profound loss throughout her life, having mourned the passing of both her husband, Robert Senecal, and her son, William Vieu Jr. The latter passed away on August 14, 2009, leaving behind his two sons, William and Andrew. Despite experiencing such heartbreak, Marie has never let grief harden her heart. She has remained a source of love and support for her family, especially her grandchildren and stepped up as one of their primary caregivers in the absence of their parents.
She has dedicated herself to ensuring that they receive the life and opportunities their parents had once envisioned for them. She carries the memory of her loved ones with her every day, never letting a moment pass without thinking of them. Though she is not a woman of many words, it is the faces of her grandchildren that fuel her determination to fight for Maureen’s justice—a fight she has no intention of giving up anytime soon.
Melissa Cann Has Always Spoken Up For Her Sister
Melissa Cann, formerly known as Melissa Vieu, has become the spokesperson for her family, dedicating herself to honoring her sister’s story. She has participated in various TV series and interviews, ensuring that Maureen’s voice is still heard. In a January 2024 interview, Melissa expressed how losing her sister changed her life forever. She described the grief as a wound that has never fully healed and how her memories have stayed with her. She frequently shares updates about the case, keeping the public informed and demanding the answers her family has sought for years.
Beyond her advocacy, Melissa is deeply involved in her community, taking part in fundraisers and philanthropic efforts, including work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She has built a life for herself and currently works as an Administrative Coordinator at TJ Maxx. With the love and support of her husband, she has found a sense of peace and stability, even as she continues her pursuit of justice for Maureen.
Read More: Melissa Barthelemy’s Sister and Family: Where Are They Now?
