Police identify body found at Bay State Textiles as missing woman Perrie Mason, Jason Watson prime suspect
Meriden police in Connecticut announced yesterday that the body police found at a Waterbury textile business has been identified as Perrie Mason, the missing mother who was beaten by her ex-boyfriend Jason Watson.
Watson was arrested earlier this week on those charges just days before she went missing and the prosecutor has stated that he remains the prime suspect in connection to her disappearance.
The search centered around Bay State Textiles in Waterbury where they found Mason’s body in the woods. Watson worked at Bay State.
Investigators also found a hammer in the dumpster and started to swab it, according to NBC Connecticut.
Police in Meriden spent a good deal of Thursday afternoon and night going through the backyard and a vehicle parked in front of the home Mason and Watson shared. Detectives focused on the back seat. They were also seen sifting through papers found in the car.
Detectives initially said it would take weeks to identify the body, but Friday they said they had positively determined it was Mason.
Meriden detectives offered no new information about the investigation into her death, but said it is being investigated as a homicide.
Police declined to say if police are seeking new charges against Watson.
“We’re not going to get into any specifics about the case itself,” Lt. John Mennone said. “Our major crimes division is still actively investigating the case and will be for some time to come.”
Mennone said Mason’s family is “extremely distraught” about news of her death.
“It is very important that we come to a successful conclusion in this,” Mennone said. “We want to make sure we do this investigation properly. We want to make sure we are respectful of their needs, as well. They’re very upset.”
Watson, 38, is currently jailed in lieu of $1 million bond on charges of assaulting Mason.
Authorities said Watson has a long criminal history dating back to 2000, including convictions in domestic violence cases and for sexual assault.
Mennone on Friday would not discuss why Watson’s bond had been set so high, saying, “I’m not going to get into any detail about Mr. Watson’s charges and why his bond is what it is.”
Watson is charged with second-degree strangulation, third-degree assault, first-degree unlawful restraint, and disorderly conduct in connection with a domestic violence case involving Mason.
Mason’s family is working out custody arrangements with DCF.
Mason’s sister Vao Horlback says she intends to take care of her sister’s two boys. Their main goal to surround the children with love and support.
A GoFundMe page has been set for Mason’s family and children and has raised more than $4,000 as of Friday afternoon.
Anyone with any information about the Mason case is asked to contact Meriden police’s Major Crimes Division, Detective Femia at 203-630-6219.