Gunman Admits Guilt in Shooting Death of Beloved Family Man

BOSTON, June 21, 2017— The Dorchester man who as a teenager killed 71-year-old Geraldo Serrano was sentenced to prison today after admitting to fatally shooting the elderly store clerk during a convenience store robbery seven years ago, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

ONYX WHITE (D.O.B. 10/6/93) today pleaded guilty to manslaughter and armed robbery in connection with the Feb. 21, 2010, shooting that claimed Serrano’s life.  Judge Edward Leibensperger sentenced White to a term of 14 to 18 years in state prison, to be followed by five years of probation.

Today’s plea comes after a Suffolk Superior Court jury earlier this year was unable to come to a unanimous verdict on charges of first-degree murder and armed robbery; jurors convicted White of unlawful possession of the firearm. 

Had the case proceeded to a retrial, Assistant District Attorney David Fredette would have presented evidence and testimony to prove that White participated in a series of armed robberies, including the Feb. 21, 2010, robbery at Hermanos Unidos convenience store on Dudley Street in Upham’s Corner.  On that date, White was armed with a loaded handgun, while his co-defendant, MARTIN FREELES (D.O.B. 1/21/93) of Dorchester, carried a pellet gun when they entered the store shortly after 10:30 a.m.

The clerk behind the counter complied with their demands, but Serrano, who had been in the back of the store, resisted.  White fired two shots, striking Serrano once and mortally wounding him. 

The next day, White made statements to a witness indicating his involvement in the robbery and shooting.  He was arrested Feb. 24, 2010 and has remained in custody since that time.

Freeles pleaded guilty to his role in the robbery and fatal shooting in 2013 and is currently serving a sentence of 15 years in prison.                                                                                                                                                        

Before White’s sentence was imposed today, Serrano’s son – one of his nine children – delivered a victim impact statement in court.

“Our family has endured stress, depression, and sadness, watching our mom continue her life without her husband of 46 years has been difficult.  He was our strength, continuing without him seems impossible.  I personally have been affected emotionally, physically, and socially.  Our family has suffered from losing our dad; we strive to be everything he wanted us to be.  It will never be the same without him,” he told the court.

“For more than seven years, Mr. Serrano’s loved ones have borne the burden of grief with tremendous dignity,” Conley said. “They can never close the book on their loss, but I hope the defendants’ unequivocal admissions of responsibility can at least help them end this chapter. They inspired us with their strength and grace, and we will always be there to support them.”

Elise McConnell was the DA’s assigned victim witness advocate.  White was represented by J.W. Carney.

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