Two Held Without Bail in Teen’s Homicide Near Burke School

Both BOSTON, June 22, 2016—Two men were held without bail today following their arrests in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Raekwon Brown and non-fatal shootings of three bystanders earlier this month, Boston Police Commissioner William B. Evans and Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

JONATHAN AGUASVIVAS (D.O.B. 11/25/92) of Roxbury and BENZY BAIN (D.O.B. 12/17/91) of Mattapan were arraigned today in Dorchester Municipal Court following their arrests by Boston Police on warrants charging them with murder in connection with Brown’s fatal shooting near the Jeremiah E. Burke School in Dorchester. Two other teens, ages 16 and 17, received injuries that were not life-threatening and were transported to area hospitals; a fourth victim, a 67-year-old woman, suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

Assistant District Attorney David Fredette, chief of the DA’s Gang Unit, told the court that video and other evidence, including witness statements, contributed to their identification as being involved in the June 8 incident. In addition to ordering both defendants held without bail, Judge Serge Georges set a next court date of July 26. Aguasvivas was represented by attorney Brian Kelley and Bain by attorney James Greenberg.

Both Evans and Conley stressed that the investigation is still very active, that more charges could be forthcoming, and that investigators are thus limited in the information they can currently release.

Said Commissioner William Evans: “When a young man finishing up his junior year of high school gets gunned down in broad daylight, finding those responsible for such a senseless tragedy is of the highest priority to the men and women of the Boston Police Department. Clearly, those responsible for the shooting cared little about who they hurt, harmed or injured while displaying an absolute disregard for the safety and well-being of every person living or working in that neighborhood. It was essential that we find those responsible and today I’m pleased to announce two arrests in connection to the shooting death of Raekwon Brown. To Raekwon’s family, I can only say that it is my sincere and humble hope that the news of today’s arrests brings with it some small measure of comfort and solace. To my detectives, I want to commend them for the around-the-clock efforts that lead to today’s arrests. Thanks to their dogged dedication and determination, the individuals arrested today are no longer in a position to hurt or harm in anyone else in our community.”

“Every life is precious, but a young life like Raekwon’s carries promise that no one has the right to extinguish,” Conley said. “For two weeks straight, investigators have been carefully, methodically, and painstakingly gathering evidence to speak on his behalf, and I want to take particular note of the tremendous work by Sergeant Detective Sean Doherty and his squad for their efforts to date. These arrests mark a step toward justice for Raekwon’s family, but it is not the last step. We will not rest until those responsible for his homicide have been held to account for it.”

At about 1:16pm, on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a call for a person or persons shot in the area of 46 Washington Street in Dorchester. On arrival, officers learned of four victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Brown was pronounced deceased at the scene; two other victims, ages 16 and 17, were transported to area hospitals where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries; and a fourth victim, a woman in her 60s, was treated at the scene for a non-life threatening injury.

Investigators said camera footage and other digital evidence contributed to the arrests, but anyone with additional information should feel safe sharing it with Boston Police homicide detectives at (617) 343-4470. Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).

 

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