Mother And Son In Court In Connection With Brockton Murder

BROCKTON, MA — A mother and her son from Brockton were in court Tuesday to face charges in connection with their roles in the murder of a man from Brockton, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz said.

On Nov. 9, 2021, Brockton police responded to 69 Tremont Street after receiving a report of shots fired. Once police got there, they say they found two men had been shot outside of a car parked in the middle of the road.

Gregory Grantsis, 36, suffered a gunshot wound to the face and was later pronounced dead at Brockton Hospital.

The second, unnamed victim suffered from gunshot wounds to his leg and torso and was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A third man was also outside the car but had not been shot.

After Massachusetts investigators developed information, officials were able to obtain arrest warrants for Shamallah Jones, 26, of Dorchester, and Ashley Severino, 26, of Boston, who were both were located and arrested.

Last Friday, a Plymouth County grand jury returned indictments charging Jones with one count each of murder, attempted murder, assault and battery with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury, assault, and battery with a dangerous weapon, carrying a loaded firearm, and possession of ammunition without an FID card.

Severino was indicted on one count each of accessory after the fact of a murder and witness intimidation.

As investigations continued, Jones' mother, Vanessa Jones, 55, of Brockton, was arrested alongside her other son, and Shamallah's brother - Rula Jones, 27, in Brockton.

Vanessa was arraigned on one count of witness intimidation. She pleaded not guilty and was held on a $2,000 cash bail.

Rula's arraignment is scheduled for February 16, 2022. He was held without bail pending his next court date.