James G. England 1955    New Bedford Police Department
         On September 14, 1955, James G. England (40) was shot in the stomach while escorting Joseph O'Donnell (32) inside the Veterans Administration Medical Center. 
      Officer England was able to describe the physical struggle leading to O'Donnell grabbing his service weapon and shooting him and himself in the hip. Officer England died at St. Luke's Hospital.  
Case Closed                      
​   Joseph O'Donnell was committed to Bridgewater State Mental Hospital for life.    

                       Amos & Hattie E. Westgate 1961                               ​​          On March 9, 1961, Amos Westgate (66) and his wife Hattie Westgate (64) were attacked in their Bay Village apartment. Amos was smothered to death in a chair and Hattie was severely beaten.
Hattie died nine (9) days later from her injuries.   
       A neighbor, hearing the disturbance, observed a male, later identified as Anthony J. Conceicao (22) leaving the house. Anthony was taken into custody while walking back to his home. 
   The Westgate's were laid to rest in the Centre Cemetery in Wareham next to their son Walter Westgate (1925-1926)  

Verdict 1961 Anthony Conceicao    Prison Sentence Completed - Released     Deceased 2000          
  During the investigation Anthony admitted to breaking into the apartment, attacking the Westgates, and stealing jewelry. Anthony plead guilty to 2nd-degree murder, assault with intent to rob, and unarmed robbery. He received a 20-year jail sentence.

                       Amos & Hattie E. Westgate 1961                               ​​          On March 9, 1961, Amos Westgate (66) and his wife Hattie Westgate (64) were attacked in their Bay Village apartment. Amos was smothered to death in a chair and Hattie was severely beaten.
Hattie died nine (9) days later from her injuries.   
       A neighbor, hearing the disturbance, observed a male, later identified as Anthony J. Conceicao (22) leaving the house. Anthony was taken into custody while walking back to his home. 
   The Westgate's were laid to rest in the Centre Cemetery in Wareham next to their son Walter Westgate (1925-1926)  

Verdict 1961 Anthony Conceicao    Prison Sentence Completed - Released     Deceased 2000          
  During the investigation Anthony admitted to breaking into the apartment, attacking the Westgates, and stealing jewelry. Anthony plead guilty to 2nd-degree murder, assault with intent to rob, and unarmed robbery. He received a 20-year jail sentence.

                                       Lester Lima 1970                                    
       On July 11, 1970, three (3) men (Ralph Brown, George Rose, Gary Deslauriers) drove through a barrier blocking Kempton Street and stopped at the front of the "Club".  Brown exited the vehicle and placed a shotgun on the roof of the vehicle and discharged the weapon into a crowd of people, killing Lester Lima (17) and wounding Kim Holland (15), Randy Robinson (14), and Gordon Rebeiro (20). The shooting came shortly after the police had set up nightly patrols centering around Kempton Street.
   In the violence that night, 16 people received minor injuries, ten (10) were policemen. Cars were hit with stones, and buildings were reported hit with firebombs. New Bedford officials were cautiously hopeful that the three (3) consecutive nights of racial conflict had drained the frustration and anger.  Several tenement buildings in that neighborhood were burned in acts of arson. Many clashes between youths, local and state police and even firefighters resulted in quite a few injuries. Peiraccini's Variety Store on Kempton Street began the central location, the owner John Pieraccini died in 2016.

Verdict 1970 Ralph Brown, George Rose, Gary Deslauriers 
  On May 18, 1970, A Superior Court jury acquitted the three (3) men of the murder charges from the shooting death of Lester Lima. The prosecution also dropped assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon charge.  

Black Panthers Involvement
  At the time, there was no organized Black Panther Party in New Bedford, but Frank (Parky) Grace an ex-Vietnam Veteran had been organizing and introducing the Black Panthers to the locals. The Black Panthers came to the city and set up a headquarters in the partially burned and looted Pieraccini's Variety store on Kempton Street. An outside classroom taught teachings and handed out Black Panther literature. Pieraccini's quickly turned into an armed fort with sandbags, caches of weapons, and gun slots. Although the civil disorder itself was not the doing of the Panthers, it was clearly influenced by them. The city governments especially the mayor, saw the entire affair as a product of outside agitators.
   
Police Raid Pieraccini's Variety Store
  Rumors claimed the city had reached its limit and intended to raid Pieraccini’s to search for illegal weapons. At a press conference on July 30, the Panthers offered to open their doors, as long as their lawyers could be present. The offer came too late. At about 6:00 a. m. on the morning of July 31, a local resident named Stephen Botelho drove to police headquarters to report that he had been shot. While driving home from work on Kempton Street just after passing Pieraccini’s, he claimed, a sniper had shot at his car, wounding him in the right ankle. Botelhos report would provide the catalyst for a massive raid by local police, with state police standing by and hovering overhead in helicopters.
     Twenty-one (21) people were arrested emerging from or standing outside Pieraccini’s that morning, to what would be known as the New Bedford 21. From the beginning and throughout, the group was associated with the Panthers, for Pieraccini’s was essentially a Panther building, occupied by several people known to be members of the Boston Black Panther chapter. Those arrested were charged with several crimes including conspiracy to commit murder and anarchy, and to incite riot. The original total bail was set at well over $1 million. The prisoners were questioned by the FBI, which immediately opened a case file.
The trial dates for those arrested stretched into March of 1970, before trial the serious charges against those defendants were dropped.  

​                                                    Marvin Morgan 1972  
       On August 8, 1972, at approximately 11:30PM Marvin Morgan (19), a resident of Providence, R.I. was shot in the chest outside the West End Social Club following an altercation. The altercation was a result of the ongoing feud between gangs in Providence and New Bedford.
   The shooting was witnessed by the victim's cousin, Eric Baker (1953-1991), and Jasper Lassiter (1951-1988), both of whom had accompanied the victim from Providence to New Bedford earlier in the evening.
    Frank "Parky" Grace (1944-2001), along with his brother Ross Grace (1952-2019), Donald Arnum (x-1991) and Phillip Glover (1944-1989) were arrested and charged with the murder of Marvin.
   Frank Grace insisted that he was with friends at another club at the time of the murder.

​ Trial January 1974: Guilty
   The prosecution called Eric Baker and Jasper Lassiter, to testify they had seen the Grace brothers with guns, and both claimed to have seen Frank Grace firing twice.
    Based on this testimony, Frank Grace was convicted of 1st-degree and sentenced to life without parole. Ross Grace was convicted of 2nd-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. 
   Donald Arnum and Phillip Glover were acquitted of all charges
​
Ross Grace Admission 1984 
   Frank Grace remained steadfast that he had been framed by the police due to his political activity and membership with the Black Panthers.  In 1984 Frank's brother, Ross, came forward and admitted to his parole board that he had killed Marvin and confirmed Frank was not anywhere near the club that night. 
    In 1985 Jasper Lassiter recanted his witness testimony, leading a judge to call for a new trial and mandate Frank's release after serving nearly eleven (11) years in prison. 
   In 1987 The Bristol County District Attorney's Office dropped all charges against Frank Grace.
​
Ross Grace Trial 2010 ​
   Ross M. Grace (57) stood trial on charges of murder for killing Marvin Morgan in 1972.  Ross served fifteen (15) years in prison for 2nd-degree murder of Marvin and was paroled in 1989. 
      Ross plead guilty to killing Marvin Morgan in 1972 and received a reduced sentence of manslaughter.  Ross was released from prison with credit for time served. Ross has served twenty-one (21) years of a life sentence following his conviction for 2nd-degree murder.    

                   Beverly J. Plaud & Donna Jean Rebello 1973                            On November 29, 1973, approximately 6AM New Bedford Police officers, Paul Charves and Raymond Rock conducted a welfare check at 474 County Street after noticing the door to the apartment was open. The officers were in the neighborhood conducting a routine check of the bank next door. The officers entered the building and discovered Beverly Plaud (19) and Donna Rebello (23) deceased in two (2) different rooms. It appeared both victims were deceased from multiple stab wounds.

Investigation - Gerald Lavallee (25)        
   Gerald Lavallee (25), a resident in the apartment building, was arrested and charged with two (2) counts of murder. Tests conducted on his clothing indicated trace amounts of blood. However, he was cleared when his explanation and evidence supported his innocence.
  An April 7, 1974, polygraph test determined Gerald was being truthful about the murders.
 
Investigation - Richard Baptiste (34)
    In July 1973, Richard was serving a jail sentence in California. He escaped from a forestry prison camp and returned to New Bedford.
He obtained employment as a helper on a delivery truck and also worked several evenings each week at a lounge. In August 1973, he met Donna Rebello while working at the lounge.  On November 15, 1973, Richard moved into an apartment in the same building as Donna, 474 County Street. 
   On November 28, 1973, Richard moved to an apartment at 34 Reynolds Street, where he was taken into custody on January 4, 1974, for being fugitive from justice. 

Investigation
     On January 5, 1974, a fingerprint on a New Bedford Health Department card issued to Donna was compared to prints in police records and was identified as belonging to Richard Baptiste. On January 6, 1973, Investigators went to the Plymouth County House of Correction where Richard was being held as a fugitive from California, for questioning about the murders.

​Verdict 1975 Richard Baptiste  
   Richard was convicted of two (2) counts of 1st-degree murder and sentenced to two (2) consecutive life sentences without parole.

                             Carlos Mello 1984          
         On March 6, 1984, New Bedford Police were called by neighbors to check on Carlos Mello (80) after hearing him yell for help. New Bedford Police arrived and discovered Carlos suffering from bruising and swelling to his lower body, he was transported to St. Luke's Hospital. 
    Carlos explained to officers that his wife, Mary Ana Mello (72) deprived him of sleep and subjected him to intense physical torture, resulting in extensive bruising and extreme swelling to his lower body and extremities. Carlos told hospital staff and police that his wife abused him many times prior, but this time was the most severe.  Mary Ana, wheelchair bound, was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. 
    On March 18, 1984 Carlos died as a result of his injuries.
   
Investigation   
   Investigators determined Mary Ana beat Carlos with a cane, a glass vase and other objects to prevent him from falling asleep. She denied beating him and claimed he had fallen out of bed. Mary Ana was sent to Taunton State Hospital for a 20-day evaluation. The results of the evaluation determined she was a diabetic and neglected to take her prescribed medications in several days.  The lack of medication triggered the change in mental status and behavior

Verdict 1984 Mary Ana Mello             Incompetnant    
 Mary Ana 's criminal case was postponed, and she was transferred to a long-term medical facility.

                                    Alice Arruda Vieira 1988                 
   ​   By 1981, David and Alice Vieira had three (3) children. The marriage began to crumble, but Alice stayed with David because he was the father of their children. As time went on David became physically and mentally abusive towards Alice and the children. Several occasions telling Alice "If you ever leave me, I'm going to kill you".

      In early 1988, Alice found the courage to get David out of the house. Alice began to build a new life for herself. She enrolled in nursing school, fulfilling a lifelong dream. She also began dating another man. 

     On July 25, 1988, her boyfriend came to visit her. Alice looked outside and noticed that David was sitting in his car nearby. A few moments later, David broke open the front door and attacked Alice. Her boyfriend witnessed the attack and ran a mile to the nearest New Bedford Police station to get help. She had been bludgeoned with a tire jack and stabbed twenty-four (24) times with a butcher knife. By the time police arrived at the scene, she was dead; David, had fled.  
   David's vehicle was later discovered abandoned on Route 24 in Fall River. Detectives discovered that he had taken a bus from Fall River to Boston, and then from Boston to Canada. Someone matching his description got off of a bus in Canada near Hamilton, Ontario. From that point on, police were unable to track his whereabouts.  
   In 1990 a grand jury indicted him in absentia on a charge of 1st-degree murder.

David Vieira Captured in Canada
  Police received thirty (30) phone call tips which led investigators to Canada. On April 15, 1994, at 3:30PM, within forty-eight (48) hours of the broadcast on Unsolved Mysteries, he was arrested at his home in central Montreal, Quebec. He had lived in the Plateau Mont Royal district for at least two years (2) under the name "Antonio Pacheco" and was well known in the Portuguese community. 

​Verdict 1996 David Vieira       Prison Sentence Completed - Released 
   In October 1994, David was extradited back to Massachusetts. In May 1996, he plead guilty to 2nd-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for fifteen (15) years.  ​

                                     Brent Davis 1991            
        Brent Davis (20), a resident of Newport R.I. was shot and killed on October 25, 1991, on Yale Street. At the time of the murder, witnesses identified the suspect as an individual named "Bobby." A witness told investigators that "Bobby" went to his girlfriend's apartment after the homicide, stating that Davis was dead and that he needed to get out of town. "Bobby" was originally from the Dominican Republic and fled the city immediately after the killing of Davis. Brent Davis had only been staying in New Bedford for a few days before his murder. Brent was laid to rest in the Middletown Cemetery.
    Investigators created a sketch and located two relatives of the suspect who were living in New Bedford. Those relatives claimed "Bobby" was also known as "Reynaldo Suriel" and that he was from New York City. The suspect was never located, and no arrests were made.

Case Closed 2020                     Suspect Murdered 2006
  In 2020 investigators learned from a relative that "Reynaldo Suriel" was an alias for Claudio Jorge. The investigation led to the Dominican Republic, where it was learned Reynaldo had been killed in 2006. 

​                                      Daniel "D.J." Correia 1994              
      On April 15, 1994, approximately 3PM Timothy Reaves, and three (3) of his companions (Scott Rose, Richard Hazard and Michael Coull) came to Magnet Park located inside the United Front Housing Complex to purchase heroin. They approached Joseph Correia, the brother of Daniel Correia and ask if he had heroin. Joseph stated he did, however when Reaves pulled out money to proceed with the transaction, Joseph snatched the money and told Timothy there wasn't any drugs here and kept the money. 
  During the exchange three (3) companions of Joseph Correia approached, and the money was returned to Timothy.  Timothy then pulled out more money then began arguing with another of Joseph Correia's companions. The argument ended abruptly when Timothy was punched in the jaw, knocking him unconscious.
      Around 5 PM the four (4) men appear at the Taunton home of Patricia Chaney and William Watson. Patrica and William knew Scott Rose well. Scott told William one of his friends got beat up pretty badly and he wanted to take care of the people who beat up his friend. William opened his gun cabinet and drew out a Winchester twelve-gauge pneumatic pump shotgun that held six green shells. The men put the gun and a broom in a trash bag and drove away. 

​Shots Fired, Joseph Correia hit, Daniel Correia killed. 
   Around 7 P.M. that evening, the four (4) men returned to Magnet Park. Many people were still outside in front of the housing development adjacent to the park, including Joseph Correia and the companions who had been with him during the confrontation earlier that afternoon.  As Scott Rose drove up the street toward Joseph Correia's group, gunshots rang out from the car. Two weapons were firing, one out the front driver's side window and another out the rear driver's side window. As Joseph Correia ducked behind the parked car, he was shot in the leg. Another shot hit Daniel Correia (14), who fell to the ground. Other shots were fired in the general direction of the housing development striking a car, a door, and windows as high as the third floor. Joseph and Daniel Correia were the only two people hit. Daniel died shortly thereafter. 

Police Pursuit  
   The vehicle fled the scene but was followed by a man on a motorcycle. Specific information about the car, including its whereabouts and direction, were soon relayed to the police. As police cars came into view of Scott Rose's vehicle, the operator in the vehicle behind Scott saw a black object thrown out one of the passenger side windows. The witness later brought police back to the spot, where they retrieved a 9MM handgun. Scott led police on a chase with speeds in excess of 100MPH, breaking through a police roadblock in Taunton. The chase ended when Scott's vehicle crashed into another car. Richard Hazard got out of the front passenger side and attempted to flee on foot. Scott was slumped over the steering wheel. Michael Coull had been ejected part way out the rear driver's side window. Timothy Reaves was in the rear passenger seat, having suffered a spinal fracture. As police came upon the accident scene immediately following the crash, an officer saw a shotgun thrown out a passenger side window. The shotgun was later identified as the one Scott Rose had borrowed from William Watson earlier that evening. The accident rendered Reaves quadriplegic.  
    Ballistics testing confirmed that the bullet taken from Daniel Correia's body matched the 9MM firearm that was recovered. 

Verdict 1995 Richard Hazard                     Parole Denied 2026
    Richard was convicted of 2nd-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with possibility of parole. He was also convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and sentenced to serve a concurrent term of 3 to 5 years for the firearm offense and a consecutive 3-to-5-year term for the assault.
   Richard was denied parole in 2010, 2013 however was granted parole in 2017. In 2022 Richard's parole was revoked. In 2023 Richard was granted parole, however that was revoked in the same year after a parole violation. In 2024 Richard was granted parole again, yet again it was revoked due to a parole violation.  

Verdict 1995 Scott Rose       Suicide in Prison 2012
    Scott was convicted of 2nd-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with possibility of parole. He was also convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and sentenced to serve a concurrent term of 3 to 5 years for the firearm offense and a consecutive 3-to-5-year term for the assault.
   On March 12, 2012, Scott Rose was found hanging from a bed sheet in his prison cell at MCI-Shirley.
   
Verdict 1996 Michael Coull       Prison Sentence Completed - Released
   Michael plead guilty to manslaughter, a lesser charge after receiving a plea deal. Michael was sentenced to 18 to 20 years, followed by a four-to six-year term for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He will be eligible for parole after serving 14 years and eight months.  

Verdict 1996 Timothy Reeves
     Timothy was convicted of first-degree murder and is serving a life sentence without parole.

                                Michael V. Barros 1997  
       On April 19, 1997, approximately 4PM Michael Barros (16) was at the home of Filipe Barros (18), located at 122 Rivet Street. The men were handling firearms when one discharged striking Michael in the chest. Michael was transported to St. Luke's Hospital where he later succumbed to injuries.

Investigation                                
  Filipe remained at the scene and maintained it was accidental. A search was conducted of the bedroom, where investigators located two (2) firearms, ammunition, and heroin. Filipe was charged with manslaughter, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of heroin
   ​                
                                                                           Filipe Barros 1997  
       On August 9, 1997, Filipe Barros (18) while awaiting trial in the death of Michael Barros, Filipe was shot and killed in front of the Luso Assembly of God Church on Blackmer Street. He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he died several hours later.

Investigation                           
   In May 1997 Nelson Roderiguez (33) attempted to purchase heroin. Nelson was assaulted by three (3) men and suffered significant injuries. One of those involved was Filipe Barros. 
   On August 9, 1997, Nelson located Filipe and shot him four (4) times. Nelson was taken into custody while on his way to the methadone clinic. 

​Trial #1 Verdict 1998 Nelson Roderiguez        
  Nelson was convicted of 1st-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
In addition, Nelson was found guilty of possession of a firearm and sentenced to a concurrent sentence of 2 1/2 to 4 years 

Trial #2 Verdict 2014 Nelson Roderiguez           Paroled 2021    
    ​ In 2010, Nelson filed a motion for a new trial on the grounds that it was a violation of his rights to have the courtroom closed during jury selection. On February 11, 2014, Nelson plead guilty 2nd-degree murder, which resulted in a life sentence with parole eligibility at 15 years. Because he had already served over 16 years, Nelson had become eligible for parole after sentencing.
     In December 2020 Nelson contracted COVID-19 while in prison. He was hospitalized, in a coma and on a ventilator and wasn't expected to survive. In January 2021 he was granted medical parole, however he survived and the medical parole was revoked. He returned to prison. On September 27, 2021, Nelson was approved for parole.

                          DeMarco Traynum 1998                        
    On April 26, 1998, Kevin Jockman (30) and DeMarco Traynum (22) walked into the McDonald's on Hathaway Road and forced 15 employees and customers, at gunpoint, into a small break room located in the rear of the restaurant.
  Kevin and DeMarco directed an employee to bind other employees' hands with duct tape. They ordered the assistant manager and another employee to empty the contents of the safe and the cash registers into a bag. A customer, while in the drive thru area witnessed what was happening and called the police.
   Two (2) New Bedford police officers arrived and entered the restaurant and were confronted by the two (2) armed men who began a shootout with police. The police officers retreated outside and called for assistance and secured the perimeter of the building.
  During the shoot-out with police, Kevin accidentally shot and killed DeMarco. Kevin now seized two (2) employees, Melissa Depina (20) who was 6-months pregnant and Karla Guadalupe (23) and exited the rear door of the restaurant, using the employees as human shields, entered a motor vehicle and fled the scene. Kevin stopped in New York and left the two (2) women at a hotel unharmed and continued his journey to North Carolina.
  On June 26, 1998, Kevin was located in a friend's townhouse in Raleigh North Carolina and taken into custody without incident. His girlfriend Patricia Hodge (27) was also taken into custody for aiding in Kevin's escape. Inside the townhouse police recovered a 9mm handgun. 

​Verdict 1999 Kevin Jockman              Paroled 2025
   Kevin admitted he planned and committed the botched robbery.  Kevin was convicted of 2nd-degree murder.  He was also found guilty of sixteen (16) counts of assault by means of a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, two (2) counts of kidnapping, armed robbery while masked, use of a firearm while committing a felony, and fourteen (14) counts of stealing by confining or putting in fear. Kevin was sentenced to multiple consecutive terms of imprisonment.

                                     Joseph F. Canto 2000  
       On October 14, 2000, approximately 11:45PM New Bedford Police responded to a reported fight in the parking lot at 1746 Acushnet Avenue. Upon arrival, they located a victim, Joseph Canto (31) 
lying between two (2) vehicles, deceased from a gunshot wound to the head.
   

​​
​Verdict 2002 Russell S. Andrews                       Prison Sentence Completed - Released                
   Russell was found guilty of unlawful possession of firearm and assault with dangerous weapon and sentenced to ten (10) years in prison.

Verdict 2008 Jason J. Almeida                 
   Jason was convicted of 1st-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole.

                                   George R. Carpenter 2001             
         On December 16, 2001 at approximately 2:30 AM New Bedford Police were dispatched to Bluefield Street for a reported fight and an injured person. Upon arrival they located the victim, George Carpenter (45) suffering from severe wounds lying in the street.
        The victim was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital and then transported to Boston Medical Center where he died. 
The investigation determined George had been kicked, stomped, and struck with a tire iron by a group of men after a verbal argument with one of the men involved.  As a result of the investigation six (6) individuals were arrested and charged. 

Verdict Lionel Rodriguez       Paroled 2018
    ​Lionel Rodriguez (24) was convicted of 1st-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. 

Verdict Ryan Marshall 
    ​Ryan Marshall (18) was convicted of being an Accessory Before the Fact to 1st-Degree Murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. 

​Verdict 2017 Robert Tirado  
    ​Robert Tirado (20) was convicted of 2nd-degree murder. Robert was retried in 2017 and convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to twenty (20) years in prison.

Verdict Orlando Badillo & Dennis Smith  
    ​Orlando Badillo (21) was convicted of 2nd-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
    Dennis Smith (18) was convicted of 2nd-degree and sentenced to life in prison.

Verdict Jonathan Torres  
   Jonathan Torres (17) Acquitted of all charges.

​                                         Ryan Aguiar 2002​
  On June 24, 2002, Ryan Aguiar (24), a known Ruth Street gang member, was shot and killed in front of 499 Rivet Street.  The investigation determined Aguiar's murder was retaliation for the killing of Ivandro Correia.

Verdict Manuel Silva
   ​Manuel Silva (19), Ivandro's brother, was acquitted.
​
Verdict Atim Almeida 
   Attim Almeida (27) was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to eight (8) years in prison

                                       Marlene Rose 2002                      
​      Marlene Rose (42) was last seen sitting on a wall at the corner of Austin and Purchase streets on July 6, 2002, approximately 11PM.  
   On July 7, 2002, at approximately 8:30AM Marlene's partially naked body was discovered 100 yards from the railroad bridge which crosses Route 18 to Wamsutta Mills. There were signs of trauma to the face, neck, hand and legs. The medical examiner ruled the manner of her death was a homicide and the cause was asphyxia by manual strangulation. 
    As part of the investigation procedures, DNA samples were collected by the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Unit. The collected samples were tested and found DNA belonging to an unknown man. That DNA sample was entered into the Combined DNA Indexing System (CODIS). 
​
DNA Match 2010 Tennessee  
  On November 10, 2010, The District Attorney's Office was notified of a DNA match in connection to the murder of Marlene Rose in 2002.
   John Loflin provided a DNA sample, as a condition of probation to officials in Tennessee after serving a jail sentence connected to a 2008 drug case. Investigators looked into John's criminal history, which led authorities to an unsolved sexual assault that occurred on August 10, 1997, in New Bedford. 
  Investigators attempted to locate the victim of the 1997 sexual assault; however, court documents indicated the victim died a couple of years earlier. The sexual assault kit from the 1997 victim case was tested in 2011. The results indicated a DNA match as well.   

​Verdict 2013 John Loflin  
​   John plead guilty to 2nd-degree murder and sentenced to a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 15 years. ​

                            Alberto L. Gonzalez 2003              
​       On November 20,2003 approximately 6:00 PM Albert "Tito" Gonzalez (20) left his residence to visit a neighbor who lived on Spruce Street, while his mother, Fernanda was unloading groceries from her vehicle. 
   As Tito walked across Hillman Street, Fernanda observed a dark-colored Ford Focus turn right from Spruce Street onto Hillman Street. As the vehicle was turning, she heard gun shots and saw an individual in the passenger seat firing at Tito. Tito stumbled a bit and ran up Hillman Street. As he did so, he yelled at his mother to go into the house. Fernanda watched the vehicle pursue Tito up Hillman Street.
       New Bedford Police responded to the area of Spruce and Hillman Street, there was no victim, and no evidence of a shooting.
After the police left, Tito's family and friends began searching the neighborhood. approximately 8:00PM Tito's body was discovered in the backyard of a residence on Hillman Street. He was deceased from a gunshot wound. His murder remained unsolved.

Investigation 2009
   Investigators determined Tito's murder was from an altercation in October 2003 involving Shawn Hunt, Jonathan Pittman at a local restaurant. During that altercation, Shawn suffered a head injury, and vowed revenge.

​​Verdict 2015 Shawn Hunt (40)  
​   Shawn Hunt was convicted of 2nd Degree Murder and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years.

​​Verdict 2015 Jonathan Michael Pittman   
​  Jonathan was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to ten (10) years in prison. 

​​Verdict 2011 Cory Hubbard   
​  Corey plead guilty to accessory to murder after the fact while serving a federal prison sentence.
​   In February 2004, New Bedford detectives executed a search warrant at Hubbard's home on Kempton Street after an undercover informant completed a drug transaction. Investigators seized 23 grams of crack cocaine, 27 grams of powder cocaine, approximately half a pound of marijuana, two police scanners, a .40 caliber Glock semi-automatic handgun, and $10,000 in cash. Cory plead guilty to the federal weapons and narcotics charges and sentenced to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison.

                           Dana Heywood 2005    
        On July 4, 2005, Dana Heywood (31) was shot fifteen (15) times and killed in Monte Park. At the scene police recovered a blue baseball cap and some bullet shell casings. DNA testing was performed on the baseball cap, the DNA profile indicated DNA from John C. Burgos and William Payne and none from the victim.
    Three (3) months after Heywood's murder, William Payne was stopped by police. Inside the vehicle were shell casings. The items were tested and matched the shell casings recovered from Heywood's murder. 

William Payne Murdered 2008
     On February 3, 2008, approximately 2 A.M. William Payne (22) was shot to death as he sat in the passenger seat of a vehicle at Purchase and Potomska streets.

John C. Burgos 2009 
      On March 2,2009 John Burgos was recorded admitting to killing Dana Haywood and William Payne. John admitted that he and William went to the Monte Park area to kill someone from the area, and that Dana Haywood was the first such person they saw and consequently was murdered in retaliation for the murder of Cecil Lopes III.   

Verdict 2016 John C. Burgos  
     John was convicted of 1st-degree murder of Dana Heywood. John was never charged in connection to William Payne's murder or the murder of Cecil Lopes III. 
     On November 21, 2014, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled the court ordered warrant allowing the concealed recording of the confession of Burgos was invalid.
     In 2016, John was given a new trial, plead guilty to 2nd-degree murder and was sentenced to 15-17 years in prison. ​

                                            James D. Gaouette 2005  
​       On March 31, 2005, James Gaouette (18) was shot and killed in the area of Salisbury and Ruth Streets. New Bedford Police located James lying in the roadway, he was transported to St. Luke's Hospital and was pronounced dead. According to witnesses, an unidentified man got out of a car and exchanged words with James. The gunman fired one shot at the victim's chest before standing above the fallen man and unleashing four more bullets into his body. After shots were fired, the suspect, later identified as Alexander Molina (25), jumped back into his car and fled the scene.
     James was killed just blocks from the spot where his brother Justin, murdered a man two years prior.​ 

Verdict 2006 Alexander Molina               Paroled 2021  
 Alexander was convicted of 2nd degree and sentenced to life in prison.

                                 Justin Barry-Henderson 2006 
    On May 21, 2006, John C. Burgos and Justin Barry-Henderson were targets in a shooting in front of 218 Union Street. Justin Barry-Henderson (20) was shot three (3) times and died; Burgos was shot twice and survived.

Verdict David DePina
     David DePina plead guilty to manslaughter, and other charges in exchange for his plea. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Out of fear for his life and his family, DePina refused to identify his companion who was also involved at the Barry-Henderson murder.  ​

                                                      Antonio J. Semedo 2006    
      ​      Reggie Greene and Terell Baptiste, affiliated with the United Front gang, had left a house party on June 26, 2006. They drove into the South End when Greene received a telephone call regarding the location of one of the gunmen in his brother’s unsolved murder. Greene and his friends reportedly drove to that location and saw Antonio Semedo’s vehicle. They followed the car onto Route 18 and tried to verify that the operator was the gang member they were targeting. Several rounds were fired through the window, striking Semedo causing his vehicle to crash. At approximately 3:15 AM Antonio Semedo (35) was found shot to death inside his vehicle on the off ramp from Route 18 North. 
​      Antonio was the father of a young child and brother of a New Bedford police officer, was not and never has been gang affiliated. He was killed as a result of a mistaken identification. ​ 

​​Verdict 2008 Robert Green   
  Reggie Greene was convicted of Manslaughter and sentenced to 9-10 years prison.

Verdict 2008 Terrell Baptiste
​ ​ Terrell Baptiste was acquitted of all charges.​

                                            Edwin J. Medina 2007                           
        On December 31, 2007, Edwin Medina (15) attended a New Year's Eve party at 370 County Street. At the start of the party approximately 20 people were present in the apartment. As midnight approached, several uninvited individuals arrived at the apartment.
   Two (2) individuals began to "play fight", and they were asked to stop the activity by the party host. After several minutes they began "play fight" again, resulting in one (1) individual pushing the other, and they both fell to the floor. At this point, the hosts announced the party has ended and asked all the guests to leave. As guests began to leave, this caused congestion at the doorway, which resulting in people being pushed. At this point George Duarte (22) dressed in a black hoodie displayed a .45 caliber handgun and fired a shot into the air. Edwin, rushed towards George and tried to "blindside him." The defendant stumbled, turned around, and shot Edwin in the stomach at close range. Edwin was rushed to St. Luke's Hospital, then transported to Beth Israel in Boston where he died the on January 2, 2008. The murder weapon was never found. 

Verdict 2010 George Duarte 
    George was convicted of 2nd-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison. He would be eligible for parole after serving 15 years. 

                                         Arthur C. Burton III 2010                            
        On January 20, 2010, at approximately 8:40 PM New Bedford Police were called to 192 Purchase Street 
for a reported male on the ground in the rear yard. Upon arrival police located the victim, Arthur Burton III (19) deceased from a gunshot wound to the head. The investigation determined Arthur's murder was a result of a dispute involving money and drugs. 
   Two (2) men were arrested and charged, Tyrone Salano (20) and Seth Andrade (19).

Verdict 2010 Tyrone Solano 
   Tyrone accepted a plea agreement and plead guilty to Accessory after the fact and Witness intimidation.
  
Verdict 2012 Seth Andrade
    Seth was convicted of 1st-degree murder, firearms charges and sentenced to life in prison. 

                                                  Michael J. Duarte 2011
     On November 5, 2011, Thomas Gardner (35), and Michael Duarte (36) met to conduct a drug transaction at a 1058 Churchill Street in New Bedford that was owned by the Thomas's ex-wife. 
​     On November 9, 2011, Michael's girlfriend reported Michael, along with his Honda Accord, missing to New Bedford Police.
  
       On November 9, 2011, Fairfield Connecticut Police located the stolen Honda Accord at a rest area off of Interstate Route 95. The vehicle was parked at the far end of the parking lot, with Thomas Gardner sitting in the driver's seat. As officers approached, Thomas fled in the vehicle, reaching speeds in excess of 100MPH
    Thomas lost control of the vehicle, abandoning it in a wooded area. He continued on foot until he reached Westport, Connecticut, where he entered a building that was under construction and hid. Shortly afterward, police officers arrested the defendant as he walked through Westport.

   New Bedford Police began an investigation and located Michael deceased at 1058 Churchill Street. Michael was located wrapped in a painter's tarp hidden beneath the basement stairs of the house. The investigation showed that Michael had died of blunt force trauma to the head. He had suffered nineteen (19) lacerations to his head and had four (4) skull fractures; these injuries were consistent with blows from a hammer. 

​Verdict 2012 Thomas Gardner  
  Thomas was convicted of 1st-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. Thomas was also convicted of assaulting a police officer and engaging police in pursuit in Connecticut and was sentenced to serve one (1) year in the Connecticut State Prison system. ​

                                         Rebecca Felteau Montanez 2013  
       On March 10, 2013, at approximately 6AM New Bedford Police responded to 14 Ashland Place for a domestic disturbance. When police arrived, Pedro DeSousa (47) had barricaded himself and Rebecca Felteau Montanez (33) in his second-floor bedroom. Once police made a forced entry, police discovered Rebecca on the floor covered in blood and pronounced dead at the scene. Rebecca had suffered head and throat injuries from a box cutter.
    Pedro had jumped out of the window and fled. Pedro was later located by police hiding underneath a vehicle a few blocks away. Pedro was transported to the hospital for a back injury from jumping out of the window. Pedro was charged with murder.

Verdict Pedro DeSousa  
    Pedro was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

                                                  Tiffany Ann Durfee 2013  
​       On March 13, 2013, approximately 3:30PM Tiffany Durfee (35) was discovered deceased in her living room at 68 North Street. It appeared her throat had been slashed. 
   A large flat screen TV was determined to be missing from the home, during the murder investigation telephone calls were discovered between Tiffany and Jeremy Amaral (34) between March 12 and March 13.
   On March 14, 2013, Jeremy and Michael Garcia presented themselves at the New Bedford Police Department to be interviewed. The two (2) men gave constant statements regarding being at Tiffany's home on March 13, 2013.
     The men claimed they took one (1) TV with Tiffany's permission to exchange for cash to purchase cocaine.
After the three (3) of them smoked the cocaine, a third individual came to the residence to purchase a second TV. The transaction didn't take place and he left.
   Investigators then learned Jermey sold the second TV to a different individual in exchange for cash to purchase more cocaine. 

​​Verdict 2015 Jeremy Amaral  
   Jeremy was convicted of 1st-degree murder, and witness intimidation, and sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole.
 He was also sentenced to four (4) to five (5) years for witness intimidation.

                                Mabilia Maranhao 2014         Murder / Suicide ​
   On January 15, 2014, approximately 4:30 PM New Bedford Police responded to 598 Brock Avenue for a possible murder-suicide. Police arrived and discovered Mabilia Maranhao (22) and Sharif Goode (22) deceased in a second-floor bathroom. The victims were a dating couple.  

• ​                                                  Justin Downey 2014                   

​    On April 15, 2014, New Bedford Fire Department responded to 55 Rounds Street for a fire inside the residence. When the fire was extinguished the body of Justin Downey (29) was discovered. Downey's body was discovered bound with duct tape, gagged and severely beaten.

​Verdict 2016 Sayyid Coggins           Verdict 2022 Retrial 
    In 2022, after a second trial Sayyid (44) was convicted and sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.

                                                       Marcel J. Francois 2015
       On June 12, 2015, approximately 11:30 PM New Bedford Police received 911 calls regarding gunshots in the area of Liberty and Court Street, which is next to Harrington Park. Police arrived and discovered the victim, Marcel Francois (19) on the basketball court inside Harrington Park suffering from gunshot wounds. Marcel was transported to St. Luke's Hospital where he was pronounced dead.​
  Witnesses reported the suspect, identified as Syrelle Grace (18), and Marcel had an argument that escalated and Syrelle brandished a handgun and shot Marcel.  

​Verdict 2017 Syrelle Grace     
   Syrelle plead guilty to multiple charges including manslaughter and armed robbery and sentenced to 13-18 years in prison. 

                                                         Jeffrey Sylvia 2015                                                        
​        On August 2, 2015, at approximately 1:37AM Shot Spotter activated indicating gunshots were fired near the intersection of Acushnet Ave and Blackmer Street. At about 1:41 AM New Bedford Police received a 911 call reporting that a man was bleeding and not moving. 
     Police arrived and discovered the victim, later identified as Jeffrey Sylvia (24) dead in the street.

Verdict 2019 Michael Sousa     
    Michael Sousa (22) was convicted for murder, and firearms charges and sentenced to twenty-five (25) years in prison. 

Verdict 2019 Darien Cardoza
   Darian Cardoza (21) plead guilty to manslaughter, and other charges and sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison. 

Witness Intimidation Convictions 
     On March 2, 2017, John DeBurgo (25) David Pellot (20) and DeShaun Hunt (22) engaged in a joint venture to threaten two witnesses.  John DeBurgo was convicted of intimidation of a witness (threats). 
   David Pellot was convicted of intimidation of a witness (threats), and three (3) counts of assault with a dangerous weapon (knife).  
​   DeShaun Hunt was convicted of intimidation of a witness (threats), possession of an illegal firearm, and possession of an illegal loaded firearm.

                                    Donald DePina 2015    
         On November 28 2015 Donald DePina (66), a cab driver, was shot and killed in the parking lot of Brooklawn Park. At 10:30PM Donald had picked up Alexander Mills (18) and a Cameron McCarthy (16) at a gas station on Purchase Street. Alexander requested to be driven to a remote area, Brooklawn Park parking lot. When they arrived at the location, Alexander shot Donald in the head, exited the cab and shot him again. Alexander then removed Donald from the can and rummaged thru his pockets and obtained a credit card. Alexander attempted to use the stolen credit card, which resulted in his photo being captured on video surveillance at the store.

​Verdict 2018 Cameron McCarthy   
   Cameron plead guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 10-15 years in prison.

Verdict 2020 Alexander Mills
    Alexander plead guilty to 2nd-degree murder and two (2) counts of armed robbery. He was sentenced to life in prison. He also plead guilty to armed robbery of a variety store on November 27, 2015, and to pistol-whipping and armed robbery charges on November 28, 2015.​

                                Sabrina DaSilva 2016                                   
​       On July 3, 2016, approximately 10:10 PM Sabrina DaSilva (19) was shot and killed in the parking lot of her apartment complex located at 9 Bedford Street. Autopsy determined Sabrina had been shot nine (9) times.   

Investigation  
      A vehicle with Connecticut license plates was captured on video surveillance at 7:22PM and 10:38PM near the scene of the murder. Investigators were able to track the down the owner of the vehicle, who admitted they allowed Walter DaSilva (45), Sabrina's father, to borrow the vehicle. 
   On August 5, 2016, A firearm was recovered from Walter's Danbury Connecticut apartment. The firearm was tested; the results were consistent with ballistics evidence found at the murder scene. Walter admitted her killed his daughter to investigators.
   Walter admitted he wore a hood and a mask and had an argument with Sabrina before killing her. He grabbed her arm, but she pulled away and he chased her and shot her five (5) times in the back and in the head. He explained he felt "disrespected" by her because she was seeing an older man and cancelled plans to visit him for Father's Day. Walter admitted he initially came down to New Bedford to kill Sabrina and her older lover and he even thought of killing the mother, Lillian Silva, but then decided to kill Sabrina instead. 
     Walter DaSilva was first deported to Brazil in 1999 after being convicted of domestic assault and battery. In 2002 Walter was confronted by U.S. Immigration in Middlesex Superior Court, after being charged with assault to murder. Walter convicted of that charge and sentenced to 8-10 years in prison. Upon completion of his sentence, Walter was deported again to Brazil in March 2012.
   Sometime after his 2012, Walter illegally reentered the United States a second time. In 2016, Walter was confronted by U.S. Immigration after being charged with murder in the Bristol Superior Court for murder of Sabrina.

Verdict 2018 Walter DaSilva  
    Walter confessed to the crime, plead guilty to 2nd-degree murder as well as firearms charges. He was sentenced to life in prison, eligible for parole after serving 25 years. 

                                     Mateo Morales 2016     
​      On August 24, 2016, Mateo Morales (15) and a friend went to the south end of the city where they were confronted by a group of unidentified males. Morales was assaulted and his necklace was stolen.
     At approximately 6:00PM, Louis Class (25) a resident of the south end of the city, was operating a vehicle on Chancery Street near Temple Landing when a verbal altercation with Mateo occurred. Louis claimed Mateo threw an unknown object at the vehicle as he was driving. After the confrontation, Louis returned to the south end and called upon several others including Jose Lopez (19) to accompany him back to Chancery Street to seek revenge.
        At approximately 6:20PM, video surveillance from Temple Landing captured Louis and Jose and three others exiting the vehicle and head straight toward the group of people congregating. Video surveillance then captured Louis, and Jose chasing Mateo across Chancery Street as the other three (3) males disappear from view. Louis and Jose corner Mateo and Jose stabbed him. Mateo then fled the scene, running towards his mother's apartment, a half a block away.
      Police and EMS were called and located Mateo on the front entryway to his mother’s residence suffering from extreme blood loss. He was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. 

​Verdict 2020 Louis Class 
   Louis plead guilty to Manslaughter and sentenced to 15 to 18 years in prison.
​
Verdict 2020 Jose Lopes  
​  Jose plead guilty to Manslaughter and sentenced to 17 to 20 years in prison.

                        Stephen Bodden & Fabio Tavares 2017
      On October 10, 2017, Stephen Bodden (27) and Fabio Tavares (28) were shot and killed inside a moving vehicle that subsequently crashed into a parked vehicle. Carmelo Kercado (40) was the backseat passenger in the Honda Accord driven by Stephen Bodden. Riding in the front passenger seat was Fabio Tavares. 
     Prior to their murder, Bodden and Tavares met up with Carmelo at the Whiskey Lounge, and they all left together shortly after 1AM on October 10. They were traveling on Central Ave when the victims were shot, the Accord crashed into a parked vehicle. 
   Stephen was shot six (6) times, including three (3) shots to his head. Fabio was shot five (5) times, with shots in his back, in his thigh and in his hand.
​    It was revealed in court that Carmelo was a person of interest in the killing of Marcus Roberts in 2017. The motive for killing was to keep Stephen silenced about the murder of Marcus Roberts.
​      The day after the double murder, Carmelo fled to North Carolina. He was taken into custody on December 19, 2017.

Verdict Carmelo Kercado  
   Carmelo was convicted on two (2) counts of 1st-degree murder and firearms charges and sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.  Carmelo was never charged in the murder of Marcus Roberts.

                                      Chantel T. Bruno 2018                                  
   On January 22, 2018, at 1:19 AM New Bedford Police were dispatched to 387 Ashley Blvd for a female screaming and bleeding. Upon arrival police located the victim, identified as Chantel Bruno (34), suffering from significant stab wounds. She was transported to St. Luke's Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 2:30 AM. Autopsy determined Chantel was stabbed forty-nine (49) times.

Investigation  
      Shortly after 1 AM on January 22, 2018, the two (2) men kicked in the door of Chantel's apartment, in which Chantel had been staying for at least two months.  Chantel was stabbed, which was the culminating event in an ongoing dispute with a resident in apartment next door, Robert Viveiros.  Investigators located text messages and nearby surveillance video linking Kenneth Roark and Robert Viveiros to the home invasion turned murder.

Robert Viveiros (47) was arrested and charged with Murder, Armed home invasion, Animal cruelty, Obstruction of justice and Conspiracy.
Kenneth Roark (45) was arrested and charged with Murder, Armed home invasion, Animal cruelty and conspiracy.
Olivia Alves (29) was arrested and charged with Obstruction of justice.

Verdict 2022 Kenneth Roark       
   Kenneth was convicted of 1st-degree murder, and home invasion. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Verdict 2022 Robert Viveiros  
   Robert was convicted of 1st-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

                                                      Reynaldo Pena 2018                                                   
​    On November 11, 2018, approximately 2:15 AM Reynaldo Pena (23) was traveling on Malden Street when he approached a white Lexus blocking the roadway. Reynaldo honked his horn, the other vehicle moved and Reynaldo was able to continue.
  The operator of the white Lexus, later identified as Alexis Silva (36), became enraged at the horn honking and followed Reynaldo to the area of Shawmut Ave and Malden Street where he parked his vehicle. As Reynaldo was exiting his vehicle, shot rang out, striking Reynaldo. At 2:19 AM New Bedford Police found Pena lying in the street upon arrival at the scene. Pena was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital and then to Rhode Island Hospital, where he died. 
  Video surveillance captured the entire of the incident resulting in Alexis being taken into custody in March 2019.  ​
​Verdict 2022 Alexis Silva         
  Alexis was convicted of 2nd-degree murder and sentenced to serve life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years.​

                                  Kevin Abarca-Choto 2018                 
     ​   Kevin Abarca-Choto (18) was reported missing to the New Bedford Police Department by his father on September 1, 2018. Kevin left his home on August 24, 2018, and never returned.
    The multi-state investigation determined Kevin was murdered on August 25, 2018. His murder was for betraying the MS-13 gang by not repaying a debt owed to the gang.
    Kevin was beaten and strangled with a belt, and his body was cut up with knives in a bathtub before his remains were placed in trash bags and buried in the woods in the New Bedford area.  Another MS-13 gang member nicknamed "Dexter" stayed behind and cleaned the bathroom with bleach. Those who participated in the killing were promoted up the ranks in the gang. Kevin's remains have never been found. 
    
FBI Westport Search   
  In June 2024 and August 2025, The FBI Evidence Team searched a wooded area along Rt 88 in Westport in connection to this case.​

                                                                                   Jose Cortez Cornejo 2020                
         On July 14, 2020, at 5:10 A.M. Dartmouth Police received a 911 call from a passing motorist reporting of a possibly injured male by the side of the roadway near 180 Horseneck Road. Police along with paramedics responded to the area and located the male, later identified as Jose Cortez Cornejo (27) from New Bedford, deceased. 
       Jose had suffered from four (4) gunshot wounds to his face, back and sides. Four (4) 9mm shell casings were recovered near his body, in addition Jose's license, cell phone and a Honda key recovered. Several residents near the scene reported they heard three to five gunshot sounds between 11 and 11:30PM on July 13th and the sound of a vehicle speeding off from the area.
​
Suspect Charged in Jose Cortez Cornejo Murder 
​     On July 17, 2020, Franklin Amaya Paredes (23) was arrested for murder. The victim and Franklin were cousins. Franklin has no criminal record; however, he is not a citizen of the United States.
 
Involvement in Virgina Murder 2019 Franklin Amaya Parades  
     In June 2019, in Reston, Virginia, Franklin Amaya Paredes waited in a getaway vehicle while fellow members shot and slashed another man with a machete in a wooded area the group considered their territory. 
      On September 11, 2024, Franklin was charged by the U.S. Attorney General in a separate indictment with racketeering and violent crime in aid of racketeering. 

Verdict 2026 Franklin Antonio Amaya Paredes 
  Franklin plead guilty in federal court to one (1) count of racketeering involving murder, one (1) count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise involving murder, and two (2) counts of murder in aid of racketeering. His sentencing is July 10, 2026.
He faces a mandatory minimum of life in prison on the murder-in-aid-of-racketeering counts.
 
​​Verdict 2025 Elmer de Jesus Alas Candray                   
​   Elmer de Jesus Alas Candray (27) the number two man in the MS-13 gang in Reston, Virginia, was sentenced to life in prison for six (6) murders. Elmer an El Salvadoran national in the U.S. illegally. There is also an immigration detainer filed against him which would lead to his deportation were he ever released from prison. 
    The victims included Kevin Abarca Choto (18); Jose Lorenzo Guillen Mejia (24); Iris Janet Ponce Garcia (19); Santos Antonio Trejo Lemus (40); Rene Alberto Pineda Sanchez (27); and Francisco Raul Avelar Rivera (42). Four were killed in Reston; one in New Bedford, Massachusetts; and one deep inside a park in Great Falls, Virginia.

​​​Verdict Henry Leonel Barrera Ayala ​
    Henry Leonel Barrera Ayala (26) was sentenced to fifty (50) years in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. Barrera Ayala was involved in the murder of Kevin Abarca-Choto, and two people in Reston Virginia. 

​​​Verdict Alexander Ramirez Lopez  
Alexander Ramirez Lopez (27) was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison for his role in murder of Kevin Abarca-Choto.

                                               Robert Jones III 2019           
​     On August 5, 2019, Robert Jones (40) was stabbed to death inside a homeless encampment behind 47 Nauset Street. Robert's body wasn't discovered until August 8 after two homeless men living in the encampment called New Bedford Police. The body had been wrapped in tenting, and a sleeping bag and left in a trash-pile area. A knife was recovered, as well as blood-stained clothes saturated in bleach. Autopsy results determined Robert was stabbed at least 137 times.

Verdict 2024 Matthew Lariviere
   Matthew Lariviere (43) was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 12 to 15 years in prison. ​​

​                                                Paul Collazo-Ruiz 2019            
    On October 19, 2019, at approximately 7:05 pm New Bedford Police responded to the area around of 160 Ashley Boulevard for reports of an apparent shooting involving two victims. Police and EMS arrived and located Paul Collazo-Ruiz (17) of New Bedford, and another victim (20) who is not being identified suffering from gunshot wounds.
    Collazo-Ruiz was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the 20-year-old was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital. The surviving victim was shot in the back and is now paralyzed. 

Verdict 2022 Ashlee Cambra  
​​   Ashlee Cambra (24) plead guilty to Accessory to Murder-After the Fact, and several other charges. She was sentenced to four (4) to six (6) years in prison. 
  
Verdict 2025 Kevin Edwards   
     Kevin Edwards (22) was convicted of 1st-degree Murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
 
Verdict 2025 Maurico Pineda
     Mauricio Pineda (25) plead guilty to Assault and Battery Attempt with a Firearm, and other firearms charges. He was sentenced to not less than ten (10) years in prison.  

                                               Ausarmaat Rahotep 2020                                            
​    On August 11, 2020, at 9:51 PM New Bedford Police responded to the area of 139 Dartmouth Street for a possible shooting. Upon arrival New Bedford Police located the victim, Ausarmaat Rahotep (41), shot seven (7) times. He was transported to St Luke's Hospital and was dead at
10:16 PM. 

Verdict 2025 Jonovan Gonzalez    
  Jonovan was convicted of 1st-degree murder, and firearm offenses.  ​

                  ​                                              Angel S. Cruz 2020             
   On November 25, 2020, Jon Zell (18) left his father's home in Mattapoisett after telling his father he was meeting up with a friend. Jon didn't return to the home that night of the 25th or the morning of the 26th.
   In the early morning hours on November 27 Jon was discovered rummaging through his father's bureau, claiming he was looking for his prescription medication. The father located the medication, provided it to Jon and went back to bed. When he awoke later, his son was gone.
   On November 27 a neighbor called the father reporting that an unusual object was on his lawn. The object was the father's gun safe. The safe was discovered open and his firearm was missing. The firearm was reported stolen to the Mattapoisett Police Department, and a warrant was issued for Jon charging him with larceny of a firearm, larceny from a building, and larceny over $1,200.

​November 27, 2020, 8:30 A.M. - 90 Clark Street New Bedford 
  Jon Zell appeared inside the 3rd floor apartment at 90 Clark Street as an unwanted intruder. He was told to leave by the occupant, who later told police Jon had gained entry illegally during the early morning hours and was her son's former friend. 

November 27, 2020, 10:21 A.M. - 12 LaFrance Court  
    At about 10:21AM New Bedford Police responded to reports of shots fired. Upon arrival police found Angel Cruz (40) wounded outside of 12 LaFrance Court. The victim was transported to St Luke's Hospital and succumbed to his injuries at 12:26 P.M.
   Just after the initial calls reporting shots fired, a motor vehicle rollover was reported at County & Linden Streets. Alfredo Balastier (34), the sole occupant of the vehicle was found suffering from gunshot wounds and massive blood loss. Police determined he was also a victim of the shooting at 12 LaFrance Court and was attempting to drive himself to St Luke's Hospital. He had been shot seven (7) times.
​Angel and Alfredo have no connection to Jon Zell. 
      At about 11:09 AM two (2) New Bedford officers located a suspect matching the description at Penniman and Reynolds Streets. The officers ordered him to show his hands. Instead, Jon reached into his waistband, grabbed a handgun, and started firing. As more police officers arrived, he started shooting indiscriminately in their direction. No officers were shot, and the officers did not return fire. After running out of ammunition, he dropped the weapon on the ground, put his hands on his head, and surrendered. 

Verdict 2025 Jon Zell
​   Jon was convicted of 1st-degree Murder and other charges. He was sentenced to fifty (50) years to life in prison.​

                                                Adilson Neves 2021                       
    On June 2, 2021, New Bedford Police responded to area of 67 David Street for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found Adilson Neves (36) laying in road suffering from a gunshot wound to his back. He was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
​
​Verdict 2023 Cheyenne Miranda  
  Cheyenne Miranda (31) plead guilty to manslaughter and armed assault with intent to rob. She was sentence to 5-10 years in prison.
     
Verdict 2023 Daquan Blanchard 
   Daquan Blanchard (26) was arrested by U.S. Marshals hiding inside a closet of a house in Greenville, North Carolina. On November 10, 2023, Daquan Blanchard plead guilty to 2nd- degree murder and armed assault with intent to rob. He was sentenced to life in prison, with possibility of parole in 20 years

                                     Naurik Michel-Brown 2021           
      On August 9, 2021, at approximately 2:15 P.M. New Bedford Police responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a shooting near the intersection of Belleville Road and Ashley Boulevard.
   New Bedford Police and EMS arrived and located Naurik Michel-Brown (23) suffering from several gunshot wounds laying on the sidewalk next to a vehicle occupied with his wife and their three (3) children.  He was rushed to St Luke's Hospital where he was pronounced dead.  ​ 

Verdict 2024 Alfonso Richards 
   Alfonso (Alphanso) Richards (59) plead guilty to second-degree murder at trial. He was sentenced to life in prison. He was also given a concurrent sentence of eight (8) to ten (10) years for the attempted assault and battery with a firearm of his daughter.  
​Michel-Brown is Alfonso Richard's son-in-law. ​​ ​

                                            Omil Padilla-Corsino 2024        ​        
      On August 25, 2024, New Bedford Police responded to 68 South Street and discovered Omil Padilla-Corsino (23) suffering from multiple stab wounds. Omil was transported to St. Luke's Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The murder was the result of an argument. The victim is the suspects nephew. 

​Verdict 2026 Juan Padilla-Santana   
   Juan Padilla-Santana pled guilty to a lesser charge of Manslaughter and was sentenced to not less than 12 1/2 years to not more than 17 1/2 years in prison. Juan has been credited for 621 days already served.

​                      Kerri Fidalgo 2024                                               
​       On September 20, 2024, approximately 4:48PM Taylor Dow Baglini (31) of Dartmouth arrived on foot at St Luke's Hospital claiming his girlfriend, later identified as Kerri Fidalgo (31), had been stabbed at 86 Atlantic Street.
  New Bedford Police were notified at at 4:52PM and responded to the home and spoke with a sister of Kerri, who stated “she did not know anyone named Tyler and everything at the residence was fine.” As police were about to leave, her sister reportedly screamed, having found Kerri unresponsive in the basement with multiple stab wounds. Kerri was rushed to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

​Verdict 2025 Tyler Dow Baglini 
​  Tyler plead guilty to 2nd-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 25 years.​

                            Stephen Oswald 2024         ​    ​          
      On August 20, 2024, approximately 3:40AM New Bedford Police received a 911 for an injured male on a bench in front of the Seabra Foods located at 41 Rockdale Ave.
     Police and EMS arrived and located Stephen Oswald (58) with a significant head injury. Oswald was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:56 AM. His death is ruled a homicide.
   Nina Busnengo (31) was charged with Manslaughter, Assault & Battery with a Dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, Unarmed robbery, and Larceny from a person.   

Verdict 2026 Nina Busnengo  
  Nina plead guilty to Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon Causing Serious Bodily Injury and Larceny from a Person. The Manslaughter and Unarmed Robbery charges were dropped. She was sentenced to not less than 2 1/2 years to not more than 3 years with credit for 722 days already served.