Norwood Man Indicted On Manslaughter Charges

QUINCY, MA — A Norwood man already facing a charge of assault and battery causing serious bodily injury will now face a manslaughter charge as well.

Joseph Cotto-Berrio, 27, was indicted and arraigned in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham Wednesday on the new charge, along with witness intimidation, attempt to suborn perjury and contempt. He pleaded not guilty and was ordered held on $20,000 cash bail, according to the Norfolk County District Attorney's office.

Prosecutors allege that Cotto-Berrio assaulted 32-year-old Brian Bubanas in a Quincy apartment in October 2017. Medical assistance was not sought until about an hour later when the Bubanas did not regain consciousness. He was taken to Quincy Medical Center and died from his injuries.

Court records reviewed by the Patriot Ledger indicate that the fight between Cotto-Berrio and Bubanas started over a spilled beer. An autopsy determined that bleeding in the brain and near the spine was the cause of death.

Cotto-Berrio was later arrested and charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury. He was held in jail after bail for an unrelated case was revoked. He later posted $10,000 bail for the Quincy case.

Police allege that Cotto-Berrio tried to get his girlfriend, who was allegedly in the room at the time, to change her story and warned her that if she told anyone about what he was doing, he would get charged with witness intimidation.

Cotto-Berrio was charged with witness intimidation on Jan. 11 and was ordered held on $10,000 bail on that matter.

He was taken into custody from his Washington Street apartment without incident.

Cotto-Berrio is due back in court April 11.

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