The family of 13 year-old Danny Croteau is now seeking an independent investigation into the death of their son.

Croteau's body was found in the Chicopee River back in 1972, and since then the case has been under investigation. His mother says she thinks about her son every day, and vows not to give up on bringing his killer to justice.

"You cannot believe the torment that [my wife] and I and my family have gone through. It's taken its toll," said Carl Croteau

After decades of investigations... Carl and Bunny Croteau say they are still looking for answers.

"We're looking for a new investigation into Danny's murder. This is what we want," said Croteau.

Danny was an altar boy at Saint Catherine of Siena church in Springfield. Witnesses pointed to then Father Richard Lavigne, who has never been charged with the murder and adamantly denies it to this day. He was defrocked in 2004 after being convicted of molesting two boys. The Croteaus want him put on trial for their son's murder.

"What we are looking for is the truth," said Croteau. "Always look for the truth and nothing but it. We're looking for people to still come forward and help us solve this murder and put a pedophile priest where he belongs... behind bars."

The Republican fought for the release of testimony, which includes witnesses who say they saw Lavigne on the night of Danny Croteau's murder.

The Diocese of Springfield issued a statement Monday saying while it does not oppose the judge's ruling, it believes the documents are without merit. The Croteaus' attorney wonders how the diocese could comment on the value of documents that have never been released.

"The Croteaus are the victims here and they don't know that," said John Stobierski. "They weren't told in 2004 that there was some sort of allegation of collusion and conspiracy. How can the diocese make that opinion"?

The Croteaus hope to get some of those answers soon. They believe the District Attorney at the time, Matthew J. Ryan, Jr., and the late Bishop Christopher J. Weldon were forcing witnesses and victims to keep quiet. The family hopes anyone who knows about the murder and kept quiet 36 years ago will speak out now.

The Hampden County District Attorney's office said late Monday it has not yet decided on whether or not to appeal Judge John A. Agostini's decision.

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