BOSTON, April 20, 2012—A Roslindale man and his Mission Hill associate were arraigned today for their roles in the Oct. 16, 2011, stabbing death of 19-year-old Kenneth Soto, with the alleged principal remaining held without bail, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.
The Suffolk County Grand Jury late last month indicted HECTOR “NEMO” SOTO (D.O.B. 3/16/91), who is not related to the victim, for first-degree murder and CHRISTIAN RIVERA (D.O.B. 12/17/88) of Mission Hill for assault and battery and accessory to murder after the fact.
The indictments move the cases from West Roxbury District Court to Suffolk Superior Court, where they will be adjudicated. At their arraignment there today, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Hickman recommended that Soto remain held without bail and that Rivera’s bail remain at $25,000. Clerk Magistrate Gary D. Wilson granted both requests.
Prosecutors allege that the victim and defendants arrived with separate groups in separate vehicles at the parking lot of a 7-11 on Centre Street prior to the early-morning altercation. Kenneth Soto, who had been out with friends, victim entered the store.
When Kenneth Soto exited the store, investigators believe, Hector Soto approached him and a physical altercation ensued. Hector Soto allegedly stabbed Kenneth Soto during that altercation. Hector Soto and his associates then left the scene in their vehicle, with Rivera knowingly assisting the stabber in the aftermath of the fatal attack, investigators say.
Kenneth Soto, a Jamaica Plain resident, died at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Based on video surveillance imagery, witness statements, and forensic evidence, warrants were issued for both defendants, who were arrested in early March.
Michael Schultz is the DA’s assigned victim-witness advocate. Soto is represented by attorney Jeffrey Karp and Rivera by attorney Leonard Milligan. The case will return to court on May 15.
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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
