BOSTON, March 6, 2013—An Everett man allegedly admitted to firing the shots that killed 21-year-old Elder Morales in Chelsea last night. Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley’s office said today.

JONATHAN CASTRO (D.O.B. 7/30/90), a.k.a. JONATHAN CASTRO SALA, a.k.a. MANUEL CASTRO, a.k.a. MANUEL JONATHAN CASTRO MENJIVAR was arraigned on a murder charge today in Chelsea District Court. Granting a request by Assistant District Attorney Mark Zanini, Judge Martine Carroll ordered Castro held without bail.

Zanini told the court that Morales was on the porch of a Blossom Street address shortly before 9:00 last night when a group of men including Castro approached him. One member of the group, whose face was obscured by a mask, walked up with a knife and exchanged words with Morales, Zanini said.

The other members of the group then rushed toward Morales, Zanini said. At this point, Castro pulled a revolver and began to fire multiple shots. Morales attempted to flee but was struck twice, suffering mortal injuries. He was transported to Whidden Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Based on witness interviews, video surveillance, and the efforts of Chelsea Police and State troopers through the night, Castro and two other men were tracked to the defendant’s Everett home. Castro agreed to speak with investigators at Chelsea Police headquarters and admitted in a recorded, post-Miranda statement to firing at Morales, Zanini said.

Castro is represented by attorney Frances Robinson. He will return to court on April 8.

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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.