Brockton Man's Conviction From 1994 Murder Upheld On Appeal

BROCKTON, MA — The Massachusetts Appeals Court has upheld the second-degree murder conviction of a Brockton man from a murder that occurred more than 25 years ago. The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office said Thursday that Jermaine M. Celester's 2017 retrial conviction of murdering Wakine Woods, of Norton, was confirmed on appeal.

"The Appeals Court decision reinforces the fact that justice was done in this case," Plymouth County DA Timothy Cruz said. "There was forensic, ballistic and medical evidence that led a clear path to identifying Mr. Celester as the assailant. The families of these victims attended the trial and relived that horrific night over and over again in the courtroom. It was a long road to get today. I am hopeful that everyone affected by this tragedy can finally find peace and a sense a closure."

On Feb. 18, 1994, Brockton police responded to a report of a possible homicide at the intersection of Green Street and Newbury Street. Police found Derick Gibson, 21, of Brockton, and Woods, 18, shot. Woods, who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, died about 10 hours later.

State Police and Brockton police arrested Celester in connection with the shootings. He was convicted in a 2017 retrial on the second-degree murder charge.

The DA's Office said the Appeals Court confirmed the conviction on Thursday in an unpublished decision.