Stoughton Men Charged With Attempted Murder and Kidnapping

Four people, including two men from Stoughton, were arraigned in Wrentham District Court Tuesday morning on kidnapping, attempted murder, and assault charges.

Xavier Frederick, 24 and Leonard Ward, 24 from Stoughton pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping and armed robbery.

Devin Connolly, 24, of Canton, pleaded not guilty to kidnapping and accessory after the fact to armed robbery.

Ephraim Hunter, 20, of Millis, pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping, possession of a class A drug (heroin) and armed robbery.

All the charges stem from an overnight assault in the parking lot of an apartment complex in Millis. Shortly after 1 a.m., a caller reported the incident to police. Based on information obtained by police, a van with the four defendants was stopped a short distance from the lot. Police also found a hammer, a shoe believed to belong to the victim, the victim’s pants, and some blood inside the van.

The victim was found with the party who had contacted police earlier. He was transported to a Boston trauma center via medical evacuation helicopter; he has recovered consciousness and is expected to survive his injuries.

All four defendants were ordered held pending a full dangerousness hearing set for Monday morning, March 9, 2015 at Wrentham District Court.