Somerville Man Indicted For Chelsea Teen's Murder

SOMERVILLE, MA – A Somerville man has been indicted for the murder of a Chelsea teen last year, the Suffolk District Attorney's office said. Juan Carlos Matos Figueroa, 21, is believed to be part of a group that drove to the area of Shurtleff and Bellingham streets the evening of Jan. 13, 2017 and opened fire on 15-year-old Jimmy Vasquez and his friends.

Vasquez was taken to CHA Everett Hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

"Jimmy Vasquez wasn’t involved in gangs, guns, or violence," Suffolk District Attorney Dan Conley said in a statement. "He wasn’t in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was an innocent young man doing what kids his age have always done – hanging out with his friends on a Friday evening. I hope his family takes some comfort in knowing that Chelsea Police, State Police, and Suffolk prosecutors never forgot him or gave up on his case."

A grand jury indicted Figueroa Friday on charges of first degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a large capacity feeding device and unlawfully carrying a loaded firearm in connection with Vasquez's death. He was also indicted for armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery by means of a firearm for the non-fatal shooting of a second 15-year-old during the same incident.

The grand jury also indicted Figueroa on four counts of armed assault with intent to murder and four counts of attempted assault and battery by means of a firearm for shots fired at four people who were at the scene but not injured, authorities said.

"This case represents the high level of professionalism, collaboration, and unyielding perseverance that the community can count on from Chelsea police," Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes said. "With state police detectives assigned to the DA’s office, they were steadfast in their collective efforts to provide justice, closure, and solace for the family of Jimmy Vasquez."

Figueroa was arrested at a Jacques Street home following his indictment Friday. He will be arraigned Monday.

Photo of Jimmy Vasquez, 15, courtesy of Suffolk DA's office