Bail set at $1M in slaying; N.Y. man charged in 24-year-old case.

Byline: Gary V. Murray

WORCESTER - A Bronx, N.Y., man charged with murdering a 79-year-old Worcester woman 24 years ago was ordered held on $1 million cash bail yesterday.

Craig Minggia, 47, a former Clark University student, was arraigned in Worcester Superior Court on charges stemming from the July 16, 1984, stabbing death of Lillian Johnson in her second-floor apartment at 1 Freeland St. Mr. Minggia pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, assault with intent to rape, armed burglary and armed assault in a dwelling.

Judge Robert C. Cosgrove set bail of $1 million cash and continued Mr. Minggia's case to Aug. 7.

The suspect, who lived in an apartment above the victim's while attending Clark, allegedly stabbed Mrs. Johnson more than a dozen times in the chest. While there was no physical evidence of rape, investigators said they believed the crime was sexually motivated.

A warrant for Mr. Minggia's arrest in the case was issued in December, after it was learned that his DNA matched a genetic profile from blood found on the victim's body that police said did not appear to fit the pattern of her injuries. Mr. Minggia was required to give a sample of his DNA after being convicted of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl last year in New York.

A Worcester County grand jury indicted Mr. Minggia last month, moving his case from Central District Court to Worcester Superior Court.

Assistant District Attorney Joseph A. Quinlan asked Judge Cosgrove yesterday to order Mr. Minggia held without bail. The prosecutor said Mr. Minggia was questioned by police in 1984, denied any knowledge of the slaying and later "disappeared."

Mr. Minggia's appointed lawyer, Calvin C. Carr, said his client returned to The Bronx because his financial aid at Clark ran out.

Mr. Carr asked that Mr. Minggia's bail be set "without prejudice," which would enable him to request a bail hearing later in the case. The judge set the bail without prejudice.

NOTE: 1984 INCIDENT