Fisherman Indicted For Murder Off Cape Cod

NANTUCKET, MA – A federal grand jury has indicted a fisherman in the killing of another crew member on a fishing boat off Cape Cod, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. Franklin Freddy Meave Vazquez, 27, faces one count of murder in the second degree, one count of attempted murder and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon.

Federal authorities say on Sept. 23, 2018, Meave Vazquez assaulted a crew member with a hammer in one hand and a knife in the other onboard the Captain Billy Haver, which was sailing 55 miles off the coast of Nantucket. That victim then saw that another crew member was lying on the deck bleeding.

Meave Vazquez then hit a third crew member with the hammer and climbed up the ship's mast to elude capture by the rest of the crew, according to the USAO.

The ship's captain sent out a distress signal, which was received by German cruise ship the Mein Schiff 6. Two of the wounded were taken aboard the ship, where one was pronounced dead, according to authorities.

Meave Vazquez, a Mexican national, is illegally in the United States and was previously arrested in Newport News, VA on charges of abduction by force, intimidation or deception, the USAO said. He was released on bond.

The charge of second degree murder carries a sentence of up to life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of attempted murder carries a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of assault with a dangerous weapon provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

Vazquez will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence.

Previously: Man Charged In Fishing Boat Killing Off Cape Cod

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