STOLEN LAP TOP LANDS THREE IN POLICE CUSTODY

At about 1:47am, on May 14, 2008, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) responded to a radio call for a larceny in progress at a restaurant in the area of 232 Kneeland Street. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim, a patron of the restaurant, who stated that he was sitting at the bar working on his lap top computer when he decided to leave his seat to go to the bathroom. When the victim returned, he says his computer was gone. Officers spoke to restaurant employees who stated that four individuals (three black males and one white female) entered the restaurant and asked to use the bathroom. According to the one of the employees, the suspects walked by the bar and then hastily ran out of the restaurant. Officers promptly broadcast a description of the suspects over Channel 2 of the police radio. In short time, officers located three individuals matching the description of the suspects. After the suspects were positively identified, officers arrested Clayton Spriggs, 48, of Jamaica Plain, Troy Smith, 38, of Boston, Sheila Barry, 32, of Brockton and charged all three with Larceny in a Building (Over $250.00)

METER THIEF ARRESTED DOWNTOWN

At about 2:00am, on Thursday, May 15, 2008, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) observed an individual carrying a City of Boston double-headed parking meter. Officers observed the individual enter a building in the area of Charles Street. When officers approached the suspect, the individual attempted to flee. After a short foot pursuit, officers apprehended the suspect. When asked how he came into possession of the meter, the suspect stated he found it and after finding it, he decided to keep it. Upon inspecting the meter, officers discovered that the meter contained an undisclosed amount of money. Officers arrested Alexander King-Geovanis, 20, of Boston and charged him with Larceny (Over $250.00)

DETAIL OFFICER THWARTS UNARMED ROBBER

At about 5:25pm, on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, an officer performing a paid detail heard a woman screaming in the area of East Concord Street. Specifically, the officer heard the woman screaming, “Get off me! Get off me!” While approaching the scene, officers observed an individual, holding a purse, running away from the victim. When the victim saw the officers, she pointed to the suspect and stated, “That’s him!” After a brief foot pursuit, officers were able to apprehend the suspect. According to the victim, she was walking along when the suspect came up from behind her, tapped her on the shoulder and stated, “Excuse me .. can I have this?” At this point, the suspect grabbed her purse and took off. Officers arrested Daniel Patterson, 37, of Jamaica Plain and charged him with Unarmed Robbery.

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Last year, during the 2007 National Night Out celebration, a number of area businesses, including Target, provided varying degrees of much needed and greatly appreciated support. The success of this year’s National Night Out celebration will once again depend on the generous contributions from the city’s business community. In an effort to jumpstart this year’s fund raising efforts, representatives from Target’s South Bay store presented representative from National Night Out with a monetary donation.

This year’s National Night Out celebration, which will mark the 25th anniversary of the annual event, will once again be held at the Franklin Park Zoo on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. The National Night Out celebration promotes and encourages the concept of crime fighting through community building. Last year’s celebration attracted over 7,000 community members.

The pictures from this week’s check presentation include Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, representatives from Target, the Franklin Park Zoo and Neighborhood Crime Watch.

Posted by Media Relations at 03:36 PM | Permalink

A look at the last 24 hours in Boston, from Tuesday, May 13, 2008 through 10am, Wednesday, May 14, 2008 (See recent Daily Incident summaries and earlier postings for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below).

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 1

Residential Break-ins: 13
Commercial Break-ins: 2

Note: the information above is preliminary information, and should not be considered official crime statistics. The information is based on an initial review of incident reports and may not be a comprehensive listing of events. It is not a statistical analysis, but rather an initial tally of significant events. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

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A look at the last 24 hours in Boston, from Monday, May 12, 2008 through 10am, Tuesday, May 13, 2008 (See recent Daily Incident summaries and earlier postings for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below).

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 2

Residential Break-ins: 8
Commercial Break-ins: 3

Note: the information above is preliminary information, and should not be considered official crime statistics. The information is based on an initial review of incident reports and may not be a comprehensive listing of events. It is not a statistical analysis, but rather an initial tally of significant events. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Media Relations at 04:23 PM | Permalink

Please click the links below to view updated crime data in the City of Boston for the time period of January 1st - May 12, 2007 vs. 2008.

View Data on YTD Part One Crime (Jan 1 - May 11) (PDF - Download Adobe Reader)

View Data on YTD Shootings (PDF - Download Adobe Reader)

View Data on YTD Firearm Arrests (PDF - Download Adobe Reader)

View Data on YTD Recovered Firearms (Jan 1 - May 8) (PDF - Download Adobe Reader)

Posted by BRIC at 03:11 PM | Permalink

BOSTON POLICE LAUD COMMUNITY MEMBERS FOR THEIR COURAGEOUS COOPERATION AIMED AT REDUCING FIREARM VIOLENCE

The Boston Police Department would like to take this opportunity to commend numerous community members for their ongoing commitment to reduce firearm violence in the City of Boston. Recently there have been numerous incidents that clearly indicate an increased cooperation with police and our continuous efforts to remove firearms from city streets.

Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis stated, “This latest information is encouraging and indicative of increased collaboration with our community that has resulted in a 40% decrease in shooting statistics. Together, I am confident that we will continue to make great strides to reduce firearm violence and foster safe and peaceful neighborhoods for all Boston residents.”

Incident descriptions:

• On May 1, 2008 at approximately 11:49am, a concerned citizen contacted Boston Police and stated that she witnessed several teens place something suspicious in a neighboring backyard. Officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) responded to the scene and located a shotgun hidden among rocks. Boston Police took possession of the weapon and sent to the ballistics unit for processing.

• On April 30, 2008, a concerned parent reached directly out to officers to inquire about the Safe Homes Initiative. The parent expressed concern that her child was in possession of a gun and was interested in participating in the program. Boston Police School police officers advised her of the policies and procedures related to the anti-gun initiative and she agreed to a consensual search of her home. The concerned parent identified a specific area of concern for the police to search where a firearm was recovered by the officers.

• On May 6, 2008, officers received a call from a local youth worker inquiring about the Safe Homes Initiative. The youth worker stated that he had been given a firearm by a concerned parent, who located the firearm after she had conducted her own search of her child’s bedroom. The mother wanted to turn the firearm over to the Safe Homes Initiative; however, she did not want police to search her home. Officers from the Boston Police School Police Unit responded to the designated area to meet the youth worker and take the firearm into their possession. The youth worker declined to provide the identity of the family, but had independently assisted the family in contacting social service resources.

• On April 6, 2008 officers responded to the Southwest Corridor after receiving a call from concerned citizens regarding the location of a firearm. When officers arrived, a citizen stated, “It’s right over there”. Officer then observed a black firearm, later identified as a Black Sawed off Shotgun replica.

• On April 9, 2008 officers responded to a found weapon in Mattapan. Upon arrival, officers spoke with two concerned community members who stated while cleaning the backyard they found a weapon wrapped in a blanket. Officers retrieved the firearm and sent it to the Ballistics Unit for processing.

If anyone has information about firearm activity occurring in your area, you are encouraged to contact the Boston Police Department. Those wishing to remain anonymous may do so by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-800-494-TIPS or text ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will protect the identity of anonymous callers.

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Stolen Car Suspect Arrested for OUI after Car Accident

At approximately 9:06pm last night, Sunday, May 11, 2008, officers from District B-3 (Dorchester and Mattapan) responded to the intersection of Callender and Lucerne Streets for a motor vehicle accident involving numerous cars.

On arrival, officers observed a large crowd gathered around a car facing the wrong direction on Callender St. with extensive front-end damage. Officers approached the scene and there observed an individual seated in the car facing the wrong direction. Officers ordered the operator of the car to exit his car at which point the suspect attempted to engage the car and flee the scene. Due to the incurred damage however the operator was unable to move the car.

Officers immediately removed the operator from the car after a brief struggle. Upon removing the suspect from the car, officers immediately detected a very strong odor of alcohol coming from the car and the suspect. Once the suspect was removed from the car, officers did a check of the registration and determined that the car had been reported stolen the day before.

Officers then spoke to witnesses on scene and learned that the suspect had hit five different vehicles and continued driving until he hit a utility pole. The suspect was placed under arrest and transported to the district station for booking. At the booking desk, officers observed that the suspect, in addition to having a very strong odor of alcohol about him, was unsteady on his feet, had glassy and watery eyes, and slurred his speech.

The suspect, Anthony Mack, 43, of Dorchester was arrested and charged with Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol, Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicle, Leaving the Scene of An Accident Resulting in Property Damage, and Resisting Arrest.

During inventory of the suspect’s car, officers also recovered a forty-ounce bottle of King Cobra and a glass pipe used to smoke crack cocaine.

Suspect Arrested for Trying to Engage in Illegal Eviction

Last night, officers from District B-2 (Dorchester and Roxbury) assisted by members of the Youth Violence Strike Force arrested suspect, Troy L. Souto, 29, of Mattapan and charged him with Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, ad Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.

Around 9:52pm last night, officers responded to a radio call for a person with a gun at 682 Blue Hill Ave. in Dorchester. While en route, officers were informed that the victim was now at the intersection of Blue Hill Ave. and Columbia Road. On scene, officers met and spoke to the victim who reported that his landlord’s grandson had just pulled out a gun on him and threatened him. The victim went on to tell officers that he is in the process of being evicted, and that the suspect came over to help his landlord clean out his apartment. The victim further explained to officers that he and the suspect got into an argument, when the suspect pulled out a gun, and threatened the victim with it, warning the victim not to mess around with his grandmother, the landlord. The victim told officers that he then fled the location of the suspect and ran to a payphone where he called 911.

The victim provided officers with a description of the suspect, and they responded to the location of the incident at 782 Blue Hill Avenue. On arrival, officers observed the suspect on the third floor rear porch holding a trash bag. Officers and the suspect made eye contact at which point he was advised to drop the bag and show his hands. The suspect then dropped the trash bag he was holding and fled inside the apartment despite officers’ commands. The suspect after running inside the apartment walked out the front door of the apartment.

The suspect was then secured and officers entered the apartment to conduct a protective sweep of the apartment. During the sweep of the apartment, officers located and seized a loaded semi-automatic firearm.

Posted by Media Relations at 02:13 PM | Permalink

A look at the last 72 hours in Boston, from Friday, May 9, 2008 through 10am, Monday, May 12, 2008 (See recent Daily Incident summaries and earlier postings for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below).

Homicides: 1
Non-fatal Shootings: 1
Non-fatal Stabbings: 6

Residential Break-ins: 12
Commercial Break-ins: 3

Note: the information above is preliminary information, and should not be considered official crime statistics. The information is based on an initial review of incident reports and may not be a comprehensive listing of events. It is not a statistical analysis, but rather an initial tally of significant events. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

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Tonight at approximately 6:53pm, officers from District E-13 (Jamaica Plain) responded to 5 Garland St. in Jamaica Plain for a person stabbed.

On arrival, officers located a male victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported by ambulance to Brigham and Women’s Hospital with life threatening injuries where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Officers arrested the victim’s roommate Kim John Gaines 52, of Jamaica Plain on scene and he will be charged appropriately.

The Boston Police Department Homicide Unit is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident and asks that anyone with information regarding the incident contact them by calling them at (617) 343-4470. Those wishing to remain anonymous may do so by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-800-494-TIPS or text ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).

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Three-Year-Old Found Wandering Street at 3am

This morning around 3am, officers from District B-2 (Dorchester and Roxbury) responded to 722 Huntington Ave. for a three year old walking around.

On arrival, officer spoke to the witness who had called 911. The witness reported seeing the child walking around on Huntington Ave. and picking him up and calling the police. The child was transported to Children’s Hospital for a medical evaluation while officers continued to try to locate the child’s parents.

Around 4:15am, officers responded to Kempton St. for a report of a missing three-year-old child. There, officers spoke to a mother who reported that she had left her three year old at home with her 18 year old daughter around 11pm and came home around 3am to find her front door open and her three year old missing from his bed. The caller stated that she looked around for her son unsuccessfully and then called the police.

Officers were able to determine that this was the mother of the child that was transported to Children’s Hospital earlier and the two were reunited.

A 51A was filed on behalf of the child and the Department of Social Services along with district detectives will further investigate this incident.

Not Knowing When to Go Home Lands Suspect in Jail

At approximately 2:20am this morning, officers from District D-4 (South End) and D-14 (Allston and Brighton) responded to the area of 157 Brighton Ave. for a group causing a disturbance.

Officers responded to the scene and dispersed the group warning them to go home and stop creating a disturbance. Officers left the area after having the group leave and go their separate ways. Again, around 4:30am, officers responded to the area of 661 Tremont St. in Boston for a fight. There, officers observed the same group that they had dispersed earlier on Brighton Avenue. Officers gave the group numerous orders to disperse, all of which were met with negative results. Officers continued to monitor the group which continued to move along but maintained their disorderly conduct. One particular individual was being louder and causing a scene. This individual was yelling and being confrontational with officers despite their orders for her to be on her way.

Numerous orders having met resistance, and with one individual heading the group, officers arrested the leader of the pack, Giovana Montes, 19, of Lynn and charged her with Being a Disorderly Person.

B&E Suspect Arrested with Assistance of Witness

This morning around 5:18am, officers from District A-1 (Charlestown and Downtown Boston) responded to 98 Walford Way in Charlestown for a breaking and entry in progress.

En route, officers were provided with a very detailed description of the suspect and told that he had just broken into a red pick up truck. On arrival, officers parked their marked cruiser a short distance from the scene and approached on foot. On approach, officers observed the described suspect standing in front of 98 Walford Way standing next to the vandalized car. As additional units approached, the suspect attempted to walk away and was stopped by the officers who had approached on foot.

Officers located the vandalized car and noted that there was a brick next to the car, its passenger window broken and property strewn about the interior of the car. The suspect was detained pending further investigation of the incident and placed in the rear seat of a marked cruiser un-cuffed. The witness was brought back to the scene and positively identified the suspect who was then placed under arrest. On removing the suspect from the back seat, officers located several small bags of marijuana that had not been there previous to his being placed in the rear seat.

The suspect, Corey R. Roy, 24, of Charlestown was arrested and charged with Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle, Possession of Class D, and Possession of Class B for additional cocaine found on his person.

Posted by Media Relations at 12:13 PM | Permalink

CHECK PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO PROMOTE THIS YEAR’S NATIONAL NIGHT OUT CELEBRATION

WHO: Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis, Target Representatives, Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit

WHAT: Last year, during the 2007 National Night Out celebration, a number of area businesses, including Target, provided varying degrees of much needed and greatly appreciated support. It’s generally recognized and well understood that the success of this year’s National Night Out celebration will once again depend on the generous contributions from the city’s business community. In an effort to jumpstart this year’s fund raising efforts, representatives from Target’s South Bay store will present city officials with a monetary donation.
This year’s National Night Out celebration, which will mark the 25th anniversary of the annual event, will once again be held at the Franklin Park Zoo on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. The National Night Out celebration promotes and encourages the concept of crime fighting through community building. Last year’s celebration attracted over 7,000 community members.

WHERE: Franklin Park Zoo

WHEN: Monday, May 12, 2008 @ 11:00am

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NEWTON BANK ROBBERS ARRESTED IN EAST BOSTON

At about 9:17am, on Saturday, May 10, 2008, officers from Area A-7 (East Boston) received information over the police radio about a bank robbery which had occurred earlier in the day in Newton. According to the police broadcast, the suspects (driving a black Honda) were last seen heading towards East Boston. Officers soon located the suspect’s vehicle as it was exiting the Sumner Tunnel. Officers, both Boston and State Police, stopped the motor vehicle at the intersection of Porter and Chelsea Streets. After instructing the occupants of the car to exit the motor vehicle, officers searched the car and the suspects. The search of the car and suspects enabled officers to recover an undisclosed amount of money.

After taking the suspects into custody, Donald Gillis, 38, of Waltham and Christopher Politis, 35, of Waltham, were arrested and charged with Unarmed Robbery (Bank). Upon being booked, the suspects were returned to Newton Police Department.

HIT-N-RUN SUSPECT HITS POLICE CRUISER BEFORE BEING ARRESTED

At about 2:10am, on Saturday, May 10, 2008, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) were stopped at the intersection of Broad and State Streets when a black motor vehicle sideswiped their Boston Police cruiser and then drove off. As the suspect’s motor vehicle (a black pick-up truck) fled down Broad Street towards Surface Road, officers broadcast a description of the motor vehicle over Channel 2 of the police radio. In short time, officers located and stopped the motor vehicle at the intersection of Batterymarch and High Streets. While approaching the motor vehicle, officers observed damage to both sides of the suspect's motor vehicle. When officers asked the operator if he had been involved in an accident, the operator of the motor vehicle stated he wasn’t sure. However, when officers spoke to the passenger of the vehicle, the passenger stated, “He really messed up .. I told him to stop more than once.” Officers also located two additional vehicles that the suspect had struck with his motor vehicle.

Officers arrested Vincent Scannell, 21, of Medford and charged him with Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Property Damage), Failure to Stop for a Police Officer and Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle.

STABBING INCIDENT AT 793 BOYLSTON STREET

At about 3:03am, on Saturday, May 10, 2008, officers from Area D-4 (South End) received a radio call concerning two stab victims who had just walked into Mass General Hospital. On arrival, officers spoke to the stab victims who stated that, at about 2:40am, they were walking in the area of 793 Boylston Street when they were approached by a group of four black males who appeared to be in their late teens. According to the victims, the suspects were also riding bicycles. Victims stated that a verbal altercation began and soon gave way to a physical altercation. During the physical altercation, the victims say they were stabbed. Both victims were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Area D-4 detectives at (617) 343-5619.

Community members who wish to remain anonymous should either call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.

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At about 7:17am, on Thursday, May 8, 2008, officers from Area D-14 (Brighton) responded to a radio call for a motor vehicle accident in the area of Commonwealth Avenue and Babcock Street. On arrival, officers located two accident scenes: the first one at Commonwealth Avenue and Babcock Street, the other at Commonwealth and Brighton Avenues.

The investigation shows that one motor vehicle (a white truck) was responsible for the damage caused at both locations. At the first scene, at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Babcock Street, the white truck struck five motor vehicles. The truck then continued down Commonwealth Avenue where, at the second scene, it struck three additional motor vehicles at the intersection of Commonwealth and Brighton Avenues. At this point, after bursting into flames, the white truck came to a stop. In total, nine motor vehicles (including the white truck) were involved in this incident.

Upon closer inspection of the white truck, it appeared that the truck was carrying medical supplies. Given the potentially hazardous nature of the cargo, the Boston Police Hazmat team was dispatched to the scene. In short time, the Hazmat team was able to determine that the cargo was neither dangerous nor hazardous. Three individuals (including the operator of the white truck) were transported to area hospitals where they were treated for non-life threatening or minor injuries.

After an extensive investigation, the operator of the white truck, Timothy Newton, 38, of Revere, is facing the following charges: Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Property Damage), Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Personal Injury), Driving to Endanger. Moreover, Mr. Newton’s license to operate has been suspended.

Posted by Media Relations at 01:00 PM | Permalink

Please click the links below to view updated crime data in the City of Boston for the time period of January 1st - May 7, 2007 vs. 2008.

View Data on YTD Part One Crime (PDF - Download Adobe Reader)

View Data on YTD Shootings (PDF - Download Adobe Reader)

View Data on YTD Firearm Arrests (PDF - Download Adobe Reader)

View Data on YTD Recovered Firearms (PDF - Download Adobe Reader)

Posted by BRIC at 05:20 PM | Permalink

At about 7:17am, on Thursday, May 8, 2008, officers from Area D-14 (Brighton) responded to a radio call for a motor vehicle in the area of Commonwealth Avenue and Babcock Street. On arrival, officers located two accident scenes: one at Commonwealth & Babcock, the other at Commonwealth & Brighton Avenues.

The preliminary investigation indicates that one motor vehicle (a white truck) was responsible for the accident scenes at both locations. At the first scene, the white truck struck five motor vehicles. The truck then continued down Commonwealth Avenue where it struck three more motor vehicles at second accident scene located at the intersection of Commonwealth and Brighton Avenues. At this point, after catching fire, the white truck came to a stop. In total, nine motor vehicles (including the white truck) were involved in this incident.

Upon closer inspection of the white truck, it appeared that the truck was carrying medical supplies. Given the potentially hazardous nature of the cargo, the Boston Police Hazmat team was dispatched to the scene. In short time, the Hazmat team was able to determine that the cargo was neither dangerous nor hazardous.

Three individuals (including the operator of the white truck) were transported to area hospitals where they were treated for non-life threatening or minor injuries. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

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BOSTON POLICE OBTAIN ARREST WARRANTS FOR TWO SUSPECTS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MURDER OF 13-YEAR-OLD LUIS GERENA

Today Boston Police Homicide detectives obtained two arrest warrants for the January 12, 2007 homicide of 13-year-old Luis Gerena. The individuals responsible for the tragic death of this young teen are Nurudeen Alabi, 19, of Roxbury and Darrell Rodrigues, 17, of Roxbury. Both suspects are currently in custody related to other matters.

The Boston Police Homicide Unit working closely with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, were able to obtain arrest warrants based on significant credible evidence that developed during an exhaustive and thorough investigation. Extensive cooperation from the community and witnesses played a critical role in identifying the persons responsible for Luis’ untimely death.

Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis stated, “I commend our homicide detectives and the prosecutors at the District Attorney’s office for their relentless pursuit of justice for Luis. Today my thoughts are with his family and loved ones. I hope this news brings some small sense of peace as they continue to cope with their sad loss.”

"These arrests come after more than a year of patient and painstaking investigation," Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said. "Police and prosecutors worked hand in hand to identify these assailants. While our work is not yet done, we look forward to speaking in court for a child lost senselessly to violence."

On January 12, 2007 at approximately 7:12pm, officers from District E-13 (Jamaica Plain) responded to a radio call for shots fired at 940 Parker Street in Jamaica Plain. On arrival, officers located Luis Gerena suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Boston Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries. Information developed indicated that he was shot on Horan Way but fled toward Parker Street in the rear of the Jackson Square MBTA station.

The arraignment for Alabi and Rodrigues is scheduled for May 9, 2008 at Roxbury District Court. They will both be charged with murder and the unlawful carrying of a firearm.

Posted by Media Relations at 02:45 PM | Permalink