Two Identified, Indicted in Separate Homicide Cases

BOSTON, Nov. 18, 2014—Boston Police and Suffolk prosecutors have identified suspects in two open homicide cases from this year, gathering evidence that led to their indictments Friday by the Suffolk County Grand Jury, District Attorney Daniel F. Conley and Police Commissioner William B. Evans said.

Members of the Boston Police Fugitive Unit today arrested ROGER MORRIS (D.O.B. 6/23/61), who is homeless, on a warrant stemming from his indictment for manslaughter, aggravated assault and battery, and assault with a dangerous weapon in the death of Edward Lawn. Authorities say Morris and Lawn were engaged in an altercation downtown on the afternoon of June 20 when Morris punched Lawn so hard that Lawn fell backward and hit his head on the sidewalk. He died of that injury on June 24.

At Morris’ arraignment today, Assistant District Attorney David Bradley of the DA’s Senior Trial Unit told the court that Morris struck Lawn in the area of Cambridge and Lynde streets, then struck and kicked at a passerby who attempted to separate the two men. Morris remained at the scene and called 911.

Bradley recommended $10,000 cash bail. Clerk Anne Kaczmarek imposed $1,000 bail and ordered Morris to wear a GPS monitor if he posts that amount. Morris’ trial date was scheduled for November 2015 and he will return to court on Dec. 17. He is represented by attorney Justin Drechsler.

Also indicted on Friday was JOHNNIE BONNIE (D.O.B. 6/28/92) of Jamaica Plain, charged with first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unlawfully carrying a loaded firearm, all in connection with the June 29 shooting that claimed the life of 17-year-old Evens Archer..

Archer, a resident of Dorchester, was shot once in the back of the head shortly before 2:00 a.m. after a party at a Castle Court residence. He clung to life for three weeks before succumbing to his injuries.

During that time and in the months that followed, Boston Police homicide detectives and Suffolk prosecutors gathered physical evidence, retrieved footage from cameras in the area, subpoenaed cell phone and other records, and called multiple witnesses to testify before the grand jury. That evidence, police and prosecutors say, points to Bonnie as the individual who shot Archer once and then discarded the murder weapon as he fled along Shawmut Avenue.

Bonnie is currently held on $15,000 cash bail following his Sept. 22 arraignment for carrying a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver. He was arrested two days earlier by Boston Police investigating a call for shots fired in the area of Ashmont station. That weapon is not the one used in Archer’s homicide.

Bonnie’s arraignment on the murder charge has not yet been scheduled. He will return to the Suffolk County Gun Court for the unrelated firearm case on Nov. 25 with attorney Courtney Linnehan.

 

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