Murder near Union Square

Murder near Union Square

A Cambridge man who was arrested early this morning in connection with the investigation into a homicide in Somerville was arraigned yesterday.  Valentino Facey, age 21, was charged with armed robbery, and being an armed career criminal in possession of a firearm.

    At approximately 1:07 a.m. Wedneesday morning, Somerville Police responded to a report of gunshots fired on Merriam Street in Somerville.  Upon arrival at the scene, police found the victim, Bernard Johnson, age 22, of Worcester, in a parking lot near 32 Merriam Street, evidencing gunshot wounds.  He was transported by ambulance to Cambridge Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.  Somerville Police contacted State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, and together they commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

    According to authorities, the victim and his girlfriend were at a small gathering at an apartment on Merriam Street prior to the shooting.  When the victim and his girlfriend left the gathering, they were confronted by an individual, later identified as Valentino Facey. Facey had been at the gathering earlier in the evening.  Authorities believe that Facey and Johnson became involved in a physical altercation, during the course of which Facey allegedly stole a gold chain from Johnson at gunpoint.  Moments later, several other men appeared on the scene, and one of them allegedly shot Johnson several times.   All four men then fled the scene.  Facey was located and apprehended by police a short time later.  The alleged shooter remains at large.

    Facey was arraigned Wednesday afternoon in Somerville District Court before Judge Maurice Flynn.  He pled not guilty and was ordered held on $50,000 bail.  He is due back in court Sept. 21 for a probable cause hearing.  Assistant District Attorney Melinda Thompson represented the Commonwealth at the afternoon’s arraignment.

    Somerville and State Police continue to investigate the shooting.  Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Somerville Police at (617) 625-1600, or the State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office at (617) 679-6600. 

Comments

[Whatever]

"evidencing gunshot wounds"? Such a way with words. Must be straight from the police report, because the article misses the human-interest side of the story that others are reporting about the victim just getting engaged.

[Dr. Mrs. McCarthy]

Somebody,

Help me here kids. I thought you had to be arrested before you are arraigned?

Late night George?

Hugs and Kisses,

Dr. Mrs. McCarthy

[Ron Newman]

It also says Merriam Street when other news reports have said Linden Street, but I guess the parking lot connects to both streets.

[Dr. Mrs. McCarthy]

Newman,

Stop it.

Dr. Mrs. McCarthy

[Need more cops!]

The city needs more cops. Rumor has it that the re-organization plan of the mayor calls for fewer police cruisers on the mid-night shift. What time did the murder occur? Approx 1:00 AM! Isn't that the time that the mayor wants to take police cruisers off the street. Somerville needs more, not less! I hope that the Patrolmens Union releases crime statistics. This mayor's legacy will always be recognized as an anti-public safety administration. Joe should stop the over spending in the dpw and start allocating funds to the teachers, fire, and police.......

[City Hall nose]

I guess if you’re a bad driver, multiple driving infractions, you STILL can become a SPD Officer.

Can anyone tell me how the BOA approved one of the Mayors selections to be placed in the rank and file of Somerville’s best blue uniforms? I guess when his mother is a Judge in Boston that helps, right?

Do I hear the walls at City Hall speaking to me that it may be possibly true that Mayor Joe is really seeking a Judgeship? This could be the first baby step in Joe's game plan and the second one would be Patrick Deval.

[DickyBird]

God please no! How can a man of dishonor even think he could be a judge?

[Carl Williams]

Joe has a plan, its all about JOE.

[Hugh Heffner]

Can anyone give me five good reasons why we elected Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz besides that fact that she is hot?

[Dr. Mrs. McCarthy]

Dear Hugh,

Pat Jehlen.

Pat Jehlen.

Pat Jehlen.

Pat Jehlen.

Pat Jehlen.

I hope that answers your question.

Dr. Mrs. McCarthy

[Bob Heffner]

You can read about some of the things she is working on right here on this blog. The Somerville News has turned into the PDS news. Just look at the main page. The majority of the articles are about PDS or about about people associated with PDS.

[PersonDavis]

First off, she isn't that "hot". But she's smart. She knew enough to get a sharp-tool campaign manager who knew enough to access monies, directly or indirectly, through such entities as MassEquality and others. Otherwise, where does a 29-year old Social Worker come up with $30K for a $15K/year stipend job? I mean, really, is being the Queen of Davis Square that important?

Maybe Jack C. wore out his welcome, but I don't hear anything about anyone running against RG next year, so she'll probably get a free pass and end up being BOA VP or even president.

Now, if this guy Patrick gets in and makes Joe C. (who also looks like he's going to get a free ride back into office in '07) a judge, and RG is BOA president, that means she's the mayor (like Billy Roche was when Mike went to Washington). Sounds like a longshot, but I defy anyone out there to show me an alternate scenario.

Headin' for the Contessa! Have a nice weekend everyone.

[Dr. Mrs. McCarthy]

Person Davis,

I for one would like to see Alderman William White cut those damn nose hairs, get rid of that damn old worn out Republican cloth coat, get a kick ass campaign together, take on Curtatone and soundly beat him back to the Union Square law office from whence he came, bring some decency and fiscal control back to the City and then maybe we can concentrate on getting on with our lives.

At least we would'nt have to worry about the inmates running the asylum.

And as for the current occupant of the corner office getting tapped for a judgeship or a place with Deval Patrick's potential gubernatorial team? That will not happen.

I've made damn sure of it.

[brickbottom]

I don't know who you are Dr. Mrs. McCarthy but you sound awful sure of yourself when you say : "I've made damn sure of it."

Well I don't know about that, the Mayor was one of the first Mayor's and political figureheads to come out first to support Patrick. That will mean a lot if Patrick gets elected. A judgeship is out of the question if not for anything else but because of his age. His credentials (ie: political connections) I won't get into.

But a position in Patrick's cabinet,I believe, is not out of the question.

But I always figured that Capuano is waiting for Kennedy to kick the bucket so he can run for Senator then our Mayor can run for Capuano's seat. Sounds plausible to me.

It will be interesting to see, I wish I had a crystal ball.

Take care.

[The Anti Mole]

BrickBottom,

You wish you had balls period. Not just a crystal one.

The Anti Mole

[Dr. Mrs. McCarthy]

All this talk about balls(crystal and other materials) I have to tell this joke I heard for the first time last night. And let me tell you sweetums, I've heard many a joke in my life but this one almost made me bust the old girdle.

Guy goes to his doctor complaining about this small growth smack dab in the middle of his forehead.

The doctor examines it, orders a few tests, then calls the guy back into his office a few days later.

"Stan, it's really nothing too serious, but it seems that you have the beginnings of a penis growing in the middle of your forehead."

"A penis? What the hell are you talking about? How can it be?" said Stan.

" Very rare, but not terminal. It will continue to grow to maturity. I'm afraid there's nothing I can do." said the Doc.

"You mean for the rest of my life everytime I look in the mirror, I'm gonna see this thing?" Stan cried.

"Oh no,no. You won't see it at all. Your nuts will cover your eyes!!!!!!!!"

Still Damp,

Dr. Mrs. McCarthy

[Dr. Mrs. McCarthy]

Brick,

I know that 99% of the other bloggers on here think I'm just a doddering old fool, who sits on a stool, wiping the drool.......

Where was I? Oh ya, Deval Patrick's intelligence picking people for his potential administration.

Joe Curtatone for a judgeship? Not on this planet. There are many more qualified attorneys out there, with much better connections than Joe will ever have. Besides, with all the sitting judges and all the nominations there have been, not one has ever come out of the prestigious Massachusetts School of Law correspondence course.

As for Patricks picks. This guy Patrick was at the apex of power in Washington under Clinton. In order to get that job, he was vetted until his eyeballs hurt. He knows that anyone he appoints has to be squeaky clean, right down to the friends he associates with. Do you honestly think that his folks will ignore the current goings on, to say nothing of Joe's past? These folks have a way of finding things out we can't even dream of.

As for Mike Capuano waiting for Uncle Teddy to take a dirt nap? He'll be waiting one hell of long time my friend. I put my euros on Ted being carried out of the Capitol feet first when he's around 103.

What a world, what a world.

Just the ramblings of an old drooling gal,

Dr. Mrs. McCarthy

[AuH20]

Brickbottom;

Believe me, if you knew Dr. Mrs. McCarthy like I know Dr. Mrs. McCarthy, you would not question her statements for one second. She has the goods on EVERYONE. She hears all, sees all, and knows all. At least in the little universe bordered on the west by Menotomy, on the east by Shawmut, on the south by Newtowne and on the north by... err... oh yah, that mudpie that everyone's making such a fuss about.

Here's one to think about...

If/when Mike decieds to bail out of his deluxe sinecure on Capitol Hill, the person who'll likely run for and win his seat wil be from Cambridge. Specifically, it wil be someone who holds a constitutional office at the State House and whose district includes part of Somerville. And, by the way, someone who raised over $400K when he ran for his current seat.

You heard it here first.

Dr. Mrs. McCarthy... your secret is safe with me. I'm Alfred, and you're Bruce Wayne.

[Dr. Mrs. McCarthy]

My Dear Mr. O'Water,

I would prefer to think of us as the Eggman and the Walrus.

Coo-coo ka Choo,

Dr. Mrs. McCarthy

P.S. If that crazy Fluffernutter Cuban wants to roam the halls of Congress, he better start making nice with the Progressives. I heard that honeymoon is about to end badly. Shhhhhh, don't tell anyone.

[brickbottom]

Dear Dr. Mrs. McCarthy,

You may be right , we'll just have to wait and see.

You Say: He (Patrick) knows that anyone he appoints has to be squeaky clean, right down to the friends he associates with.

Where for God's sake will he find anyone like that in this cesspool of a state?

As usual your opinions are most welcome.

Thanks and take care.

[brickbottom]

Dear AuH2O,

If it's the same person I think you mean:
Then why did this guy get cold feet running for the D.A.'s office? If he is afraid to run for that office then he will be way out of his league running for Capuano's seat.

Just my opinion.

[Jimmy D. on brickbottom/Murder]

brick,
Just back from two weeks of vacation in ME and didn't touch a computer that whole time (oh joy). It appears we have some catching up to do. You left some responses for me but it will take me a while to respond to all of them you rabblerouser, you. Do you want direct emails or posts here?

In any event, when I left there was some demonstration about putting a moratoriumon building prisons. Then we have a murder right next to the police station. The message: More prisons, more cops.

Only in Somerville can we have a murder right next to the police station and have the murderer not only escape, but stay on the lam. Maybe that undercuts my argument for more cops, I'm not sure. Maybe different cops.

[AuH20]

brick;

The solon from Cambridge shut down his campaign for DA for two reasons;

He came to the realization that his district isn't reflective of Middlesex County as a whole, and he is able to read poll numbers and make sense out of them. Translation; Leone would have mopped up with him, particularly in the Wilmingtons and Tewksburys and Billericas and Burlingtons of the county. Also, losses at the County level for the DA's seat have been the undoing of many an aspiring politician. Ask Joe Mackey.

However, the 8th C.D. is a different animal altogether. The right "ethnic" candidate with the right amount of money (or a proven ability to raise it) could wrest the seat in an open race. In fact, you may remember that there was a fellow "of color" from Boston who sent out feelers last time that had M.C. concerned. And Mike's a relatively popular incumbent. Also, JB's done his time, whether you wantto admit it or not, "in the trenches" for the party. He is, as the good Dr. pointed out, from Florida (by way of Habana). Rememeber the little thing with the hanging chads and so on?

While he may be on the outs with the some members of the current politburo in the PDS, he would still be their best hope of having an open ear. To not back him in the hopes that THEIR candidate (whomever that may end up being) would be successful would be a gamble at best. I'm sorry, but I just don't see that happening.

Also, speaking to Dr. Mrs. McCarthy's remarks; The mayor would be lucky to get 10% of the primary vote in a Congresional race. There's a big difference in the scrutiny one undergoes running for Mayor of Somerville vs. running for US Congress. He can only mortgage his family's houses so many more times. Speaking of mortgaging houses, does anyone remember when the last State Rep./Alderman at Large (prior to D.P.) ran for County Sheriff?

And one other thing;

Dr. Mrs. McCarthy. My name isn't "O'"-anything!!! And there's an "a" between the "M" and "c" in our kind's last names. No Hibernian heritage here. I'm WASP, through and through. I thought you figured that out way back in the day. Ahh, yes, but I remember coming out of church on Belmont and there, diagonally across, parked in a crumbling down garage was your '64. I can still smell the fragrance of those gardenias in your front yard when the wind was from the northwest!

[RMP184]

Jimmy D,

For someone who hasnt been here is 2 weeks you should shut the hell up if you don't know the facts. First of all, nobody escaped. The murder did not happen right next to the police station. Last of all, You are an idiot.

We need more cops or new ones? What kind of dumbass remark is that. It's people like you that make me wish I didnt take an oath to protect everyone.

[brickbottom to Jimmy D.]

Just goes to show you from the post that was directed at you from "184" that you can't believe everything you read. You can't even blame Captain/Acting Chief Midget for this particular incident. This shit happens everywhere and these people nowadays have no remorse or second thoughts about shooting anyone anywhere. It also happened a couple of blocks from the police station.

In Boston they have no problem shooting at the police themselves nevermind shooting someone in an area of a police station.

The morale and manpower of this department is lower than whale shit. What do they have out there on a nightly basis....seven one man cars, a wagon, a supervisor's car? They can't be everywhere at all times. Some Universities in this area have more patrolman than this department has.

That said it just goes to show you how low the police is thought of by the administration in city hall. They have a total moron at the helm who is a political hack who is just a yes man for the mayor, a severe shortage of policeman and a police station that should be condemned.

Thanks to the Midget, the police department is broken off into different camps and because of him it has turned into the "House of Hate".

This police department needs a huge boost in manpower and someone at the helm who knows what the hell he is doing. And that person who eventually takes over (my bets on the Midget because the Alderman have no balls to go against this Mayor) should have to live in this city. Not on a horse farm dressing up as George Washington and playing make believe.

[Bottom of the Ninth]

I'm scared after reading the past couple of posts. Jimmy D. said the shooting occurred next to the PD. He was wrong. It happend 300 feet from the station... not that big a difference. Everyone reported, even the PD said the shooting occurred on Merriam Street which IS next to the police department. It was the part of Merriam street further down from the PD, 300 feet or so. So Jimmy D. was right more or less.

RMP184 says and brickbottom seems to agree that "nobody escaped." That's an absolute lie. Read the article you idiot- "The alleged shooter remains at large." Even the Farm Team paper said the same EXACT thing. As of Friday night NOBODY had been arrested and charged with the MURDER. It's scary to know that RMP184 doesn't even know what goes on in his own police department and the same goes for brickbottom.

If you want to call people an idiot, start with yourself. The murderer escaped and you say he did't. You are lucky to have a job you dont deserve. Save us the speech on your oath, you don't care about us. Joe's right!

[brickbottom to "Bottom of the Barrel"]

Bottom,

"brickbottom seems to agree that "nobody escaped."?

Did I say that ole wise one? I think not.

You have no clue what is happening in regards to this investigation or who the shooter really is. All you qoute from is a paper I wouldn't wipe my ass with. If you receive your "facts" from a newspaper than you are really as moronic as I thought you were. That's why I have ignored your inane "opinions"

You have to work for the City or have some connection to the Mayor to be this thick.

Your juvenile rants and raves in here are getting to be a bore. When you have an original thought please let us know.

If you were any more stupid then we would have to water you once a week!

[By the way Bottom]

The Somerville Police now play second fiddle in regards to this murder investigation. It is now in the hands of the "Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight", our "esteemed" D.A.'s office and that corrupt C-PAC unit from the State Police.
Whenever this unit is in charge everyone in a five mile radius better watch out because they will find a way to pin it on someone whether they were there or not.

[RMP184]

Bottom of the ninth,

I really don't need to state anything more than what Brick said but I will.
Don't believe everything you read in a newspaper. Don't believe every rumor you hear. The most important advise I will give you, Don't piss us off. Don't think for one second I can’t find out who you are. You sound like you have something to hide. hmmmmmm, probable cause for an IP inquiry?
Maybe!

[James Norton]

RMP184/Flash -

And you actually wonder why I erase some of your comments and why I sometimes ban (and then un-ban I might add) you?

Come on.

JN

[RMP184]

Point taken. I get carried away.

[brickbottom]

Hey James,

Having a little bout with insomnia?????

Hope you enjoyed your holiday!

[JUST A THOUGHT]

I READ THAT SOMEONE SAID "WE NEED MORE POLICE" I AGREE WITH THAT. BUT I ALSO THINK THE POLICE NEED TO SPEND MORE TIME PATROLING THE CITY. I THINK THEY SPEND A LOT OF TIME MESSING AROUND WITH THE LITTLE PUNKS IN THE CITY, WHILE REAL CRIME IS GOING ON. YES, ITS IMPORTANT TO KEEP THE KIDS OFF THE STREETS AND PREVENT THEM FROM TROUBLE. BUT I'VE HEARD FROM NUMEROUS PARENTS I KNOW THAT THEIR CHILDREN HAVE COMPLAINED THAT THE COPS ARE CONSTANTLY BEING HOSTILE TOWARDS THEM. ONE KID SAID THEY SQAUSHED HIS CIGGERETTES OVER HIS HEAD AND MAKE WAS SAYING IF HE TALKED BACK THEY'D HIT HIM WITH THE FLASHLIGHT. THE KID WAS PROBABLY BEING A PUNK BUT MAYBE SPENDING MORE TIME ON IMPORTANT THINGS WILL HELP,OTHER THAN ARGUING WITH THE TEENAGERS. THEY SHOULDN'T BE HANGING AROUND THE STREETS AND CAUSING TROUBLE BUT THEY ALWAYS WILL BE, AND IF THEY DON'T SEE ANY EVIDENCE OF VIOLENCE OR ILLEGAL BEHAVIOR THEY SHOULD JUST KICK THEM OUT AND MOVE ON. MAYBE THEY WOULD CATCH A REAL CRIME INSTEAD.

[police department didn't quite get it right the first time.]

According to neighbors regarding last weeks shooting on Merriam Street say that our police department didn't quite get it right the first time. Neighbors phoned police the next morning when they observed a black male and a white female, possibly friends of the shooter, going through the trash on Merriam Street. When police arrived they to went through the trash themselves then recovered the weapon. Why wasn't this done the day of the shooting?