I-Team: Remains found at site of state police dig

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Remains found Wednesday at the site of state police dig in East Providence may be those of a missing Mob victim.

State police said they believe, but they have not yet confirmed, that the remains are those of Joseph “Joe Onions” Scanlon, who was killed by the Mob 30 years ago.

The remains, including some bones, clothing and a boot, were found 14 feet below ground.

Investigators began digging Monday at a lot on Bullocks Point Avenue following the arrest of nearly two dozen people allegedly connected to crime rings. Nicholas Pari, who was one of two mobsters responsible for Scanlon’s killing, was among the suspects arrested. Pari faces a variety of racketeering charges.

Scanlon was killed in 1978. He was a low-level street criminal with organized crime ties, but sources said the Mob found out he was a police informant.

Col. Brendan Doherty, superintendent of the state police, said law enforcement will not give up battling the Mafia.

“Rhode Island was given a black eye years ago with a mob reputation—that we had a strong organized crime presence in Rhode Island. We’re doing the best we can to stamp out that reputation,“ Doherty said.

The remains will be studied by the medical examiner.