June 22, 2016
Two men in their 20s have been charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Raekwon Brown in early June near the Jeremiah E. Burke High School, according to the Suffolk County district attorney’s office.
Jonathan Aguasvivas, 23, of Roxbury and Benzy Bain, 24, of Mattapan, were arrested Wednesday on warrants charging them in the death of Brown two weeks ago.
The shooting took place around 1:15 p.m. during the June 8 school day, when students exited the building following a fire alarm.
Also injured in the shooting were 16- and 17-year-old male students, who were transported to hospitals, and a 67-year-old woman who was treated at the scene for minor injuries, officials said.
Aguasvivas and Bain were ordered to be held without bail at their arraignment on Wednesday in Dorchester Municipal Court. Prosecutors said the investigation remains “very active” and additional charges may be forthcoming.
In a statement, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley said, “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.”
Conley’s office said camera footage and other digital evidence contributed to Wednesday’s arrest. Officials encourage anyone with additional information to contact Boston Police homicide detectives at (617)-343-4470, or submit anonymous tips by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-(800)-494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).
Family and Burke community members described Brown as a caring and upstanding student and friend, with students rallying together to support the family’s funeral costs. Brown was laid to rest last week at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Roslindale.
Police Commissioner William Evans said in a statement: “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.”
“To Raekwon’s family,” Evans continued, “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.”