Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Lawrence Man Indicted on Murder Charge in Connection with Worcester State University Shooting

WORCESTER — In a significant development, a Lawrence man has been indicted on a murder charge related to the fatal shooting that took place on the Worcester State University campus in October. Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr. confirmed the news, stating that Kevin Rodriguez, an 18-year-old suspect, was indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury last week. Rodriguez is scheduled to be arraigned on January 12, 2024, in Worcester Superior Court. The charges against him include murder, possession of a loaded firearm not at home or work, and possession of a firearm not at home or work.

The incident occurred on October 28 when Worcester State University Police responded to a shooting scene at around 2:30 a.m. Two men were found with gunshot wounds and were immediately transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Unfortunately, Randy Armando Melendez Jr., a 19-year-old resident of Southbridge, succumbed to his injuries and tragically lost his life. The second victim, a 21-year-old man, survived the attack but was left paralyzed from the waist down.

According to authorities, the shooting incident unfolded during a confrontation between two groups of individuals who were visiting the university campus. It is important to note that neither the victims nor the defendants were students at Worcester State University.

In addition to Kevin Rodriguez, two other individuals have also been implicated in this case. Richard Nieves, a 19-year-old resident of Spencer, and Kenneth Doelter, a 20-year-old resident of Southbridge, are both accused of robbing the 21-year-old survivor prior to the shooting. The Worcester County Grand Jury has indicted Nieves and Doelter on charges of armed robbery and aggravated kidnapping.

Richard Nieves, who is believed to have shot the surviving victim, is facing additional charges including armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, possession of a loaded firearm not at home or work, and possession of a firearm not at home or work.

Arraignments for both Richard Nieves and Kenneth Doelter are scheduled to take place in Worcester Superior Court on a later date, yet to be determined.

Investigation into the incident is still underway and being conducted collaboratively by several law enforcement agencies including Worcester Police, Worcester State University Police, State Police Detective Unit for Worcester County, State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and the State Police Firearms Identification Section.

Assistant District Attorneys Terry McLaughlin, Lina Pashou, and Timothy Westerman are leading the prosecution of the cases.

–Office of Essex County District Attorney Joseph Early, Jr.

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