News Nearby: A Jury Verdict and a Controversial Billboard

Wilmington residents aren't only interested in what happens in town. So each week we provide you with a look at items that are making headlines in surrounding towns.

Here is a look at the latest News Nearby.

Jury Finds Ferreira Not Guilty In Death of Johnny McCabe

TEWKSBURY--A Middlesex Superior Court jury found Michael Ferreira not guilty in connection with the 1969 death of Tewksbury teen Johnny McCabe.

Despite the testimony of Edward Alan Brown, who admitted to his role in the murder and implicated Ferreira, the Salem, NH man was acquitted. The jury deliberated roughly five hours before announcing their verdict.

District Attorney Gerry Leone said he was disappointed in the decision of the jury but that he intended to pursue the murder charge against the third man indicted in connection with the crime, Walter Shelley of Tewksbury.

“Although we are disappointed with the verdict, we respect the right of the jury to render this decision today and thank them for their service to the Commonwealth," said Leone, in a prepared statement.

Boston Man Arrested for Alleged Rape, Attempted Murder

STONEHAM--Paul Tancredi, 33, of East Boston was arrested on a warrant for alleged attempted murder, indecent assault and battery on person 14 or over, and assault and battery.

Electronic Billboard Proposed for West Street at I-93 in Reading

READING--An electronic billboard on West Street, adjacent to Interstate 93. This article on the warrant for Monday’s special Town Meeting generated significant heat at Tuesday’s selectmen’s meeting.

About 20 people urged the selectmen to reject a proposed zoning change to allow an electronic billboard on land owned by the Mobil station. The “hosting” fee the town could receive – between $25,000 and $50,000 a year, according to the article background - is insignificant, speakers said, compared with the anticipated loss of home values in the area because of a billboard.

Dog Allegedly Dials 911 in North Reading

NORTH READING--The following is a look at some of the calls handled by the North Reading Police Department from last week.