Man, 20, Charged in Fatal Hyde Park Stabbing

BOSTON, Jan. 10, 2014—A Mattapan man was held without bail today in the fatal stabbing of a 19-year-old male on Margaretta Drive yesterday evening, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

WILLIAM EARL (D.O.B. 8/9/93) was arraigned on one count of murder for the slaying. At the request of Assistant District Attorney Tara Burdman, West Roxbury Municipal Court Judge Ernest Sarason ordered Earl held without bail.

Burdman told the court that Boston Police responded to the scene at about 6:00 to find the victim deceased at the scene and Earl being detained by security guards. The defendant, who was suffering from minor injuries, was transported to Brigham and Women’s Hospital for treatment. Based on witness interviews and his own statements to investigators, Earl was placed under arrest.

The victim has been tentatively identified, but his name is not being released until it can be confirmed and his family can be fully notified.

The Margaretta Drive homicide is not believed to be related to a fatal shooting on Rowe Street in Roslindale about five hours later. The victim in that case has likewise been identified but family notifications are still under way.

The public’s help is essential in identifying violent offenders and proving their guilt in court. Anyone with information on either of last night’s homicides is asked to contact Boston Police homicide detectives at 617-343-4470.

Earl was represented today by attorney Kelli Porges. He will return to court on Feb. 10.

 

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