BOSTON, June 28, 2012—The Suffolk County Grand Jury has returned indictments charging a Salem man with the April murder of US Army veteran Stephen Perez earlier this year, District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said today.

The indictments, returned yesterday, charge PETER CASTILLO (D.O.B. 8/6/88) with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting Perez to death in a Tremont Street parking garage and unlawful possession of a firearm for the handgun he allegedly used to take Perez’ life.

The conclusion of the two-month grand jury investigation is the latest development in the April 28 homicide. On May 7, Boston Police released surveillance footage from the area of the homicide in an effort to identify the assailant. On June 7, authorities identified Castillo as a suspect after obtaining a Boston Municipal Court warrant charging him with murder. Members of the Boston Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit, along with United States Marshals and other agencies, are currently engaged in efforts to locate and apprehend him.

When Castillo is taken into custody, he will be brought to Suffolk Superior Court for arraignment on the indicted charges.

Boston Police responded to 290 Tremont St. just before 2:00 a.m. on April 28 to find Perez mortally injured from an apparent shooting. He was rushed to nearby Tufts Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead of his injuries.

Anyone with information on Castillo’s whereabouts is asked to call the Boston Police Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470. Those who wish to remain anonymous may also call the Boston Police CrimeStoppers tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463).

Assistant District Attorney David Fredette of the DA’s Homicide Unit led the grand jury investigation. Katherine Moran is the victim-witness advocate assigned to the case.

–30–

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