Two Charged with Perjury during Investigation into Veteran’s Slaying

BOSTON, June 29, 2012—Two alleged associates of the man charged with murdering US Army veteran Stephen Perez were arrested this morning and held on bail at their subsequent
arraignments, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley and Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis said today.

Boston Police arrested LUIS SEPELVEDA (D.O.B. 8/15/84) and JANICE HARDY (D.O.B. 12/12/90) at their Lynn home this morning on warrants charging them with perjury and
misleading a police investigator under Ch. 268, Sect. 13B, of the Massachusetts General Laws.

“I appreciate the important work by the BPD Homicide Unit and the Suffolk DA on this vicious crime,” Davis said. “These individuals contributed to the death of Mr. Perez, a
decorated veteran who was not given a chance. They should both do substantial time in prison.”

Sepelveda and Hardy were indicted on those offenses Wednesday – the same day the Suffolk County Grand Jury returned indictments charging PETER CASTILLO (D.O.B. 8/6/88)
of Salem with first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm for allegedly shooting Perez, 22, to death in a Theater District parking garage earlier this year.

“If you lie to the grand jury, we’re going to charge you with perjury,” Conley said. “Trying to thwart a homicide investigation is serious business with serious consequences. If you’re afraid, we can help you. If you don’t know the answer to a question, just say so. But if you go in and lie under oath, you’re going to pay the price.”

Assistant District Attorney David Fredette of Conley’s Homicide Unit told Suffolk Superior Court Clerk Magistrate Gary D. Wilson that both defendants first lied to investigators and then repeated those lies in sworn testimony before the Suffolk County Grand Jury during the two-month probe. Wilson set Sepelveda’s bail at $5,000 cash and Hardy’s at $2,500.

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. Today’s defendants were identified as potential witnesses during the investigation that followed.

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).

Katherine Moran is the victim-witness advocate assigned to the case. Sepelveda is represented by attorney David Grimaldi and Hardy by attorney Jose Serpa. Both will return to
court on July 20.

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