Investigation Active into Identity of Additional Suspects

BOSTON, April 27, 2015—A Dorchester man has been sentenced to prison after admitting his role in the fatal stabbing of 22-year-old Justin Albert during a group attack on Tremont Street, while investigators continue to pursue leads on the identities of other assailants, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

STEVEN ROLLEY (D.O.B. 8/24/82) pleaded guilty to manslaughter for taking part in the attack, which left Albert with fatal stab wounds to the neck and stomach shortly before 1:00 a.m. on Sept. 14, 2011. Suffolk Superior Court Judge Frank Gaziano sentenced him to 14 to 16 years in state prison, the term recommended by Assistant District Attorney Joseph Janezic, chief of the DA’s Gang Unit.

Had the case proceeded to trial, prosecutors would have introduced eyewitness testimony and evidence including surveillance video to show that Rolley was among a group of men who approached Albert in the area of 1050 Tremont St., surrounded and stabbed him, and then dispersed while Albert fell to the ground mortally wounded. A nearby security guard saw the defendant among the group surrounding Albert. When the defendant fled on a bicycle, the guard gave chase and apprehended him moments later. When arrested, Rolley had Albert’s blood on his clothing.

Boston Police and Suffolk prosecutors have sought the identities of the other assailants since the morning of the homicide.  Those efforts continue today, with the investigation into Albert’s homicide still very active. Anyone with information on the stabbing or those involved is urged to share it with homicide detectives at 617-343-4470.

Janezic was second-seated by Assistant District Attorney Sarah Montgomery Lewis of the DA’s Appellate Division. Katherine Moran was the DA’s assigned victim-witness advocate.

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