By George P. Hassett
A Randolph man is under arrest in connection with this morning's shooting death of Ferdinand Saintville, 25, of Somerville.
Marquis Williams, 20, of Randolph, has been placed under arrest and will be arraigned Monday morning in Somerville District Court on charges of accessory after the fact of murder, said prosecutors. The matter remains under active investigation.
“This appears to be another example of a victim being killed by senseless gun violence, which all too often has become a way of resolving conflict amongst young people who have access to guns and a willingness to use them,” District Attorney Gerry Leone said. “We have one man under arrest, and we continue to actively investigate for other suspects who we believe were involved in this shooting.”
According to authorities, at approximately 1:28 a.m., Saintville and friends were driving home from the Good Times Emporium in Somerville. They pulled their car up to the intersection of Alfred Lombardi Way and Mystic Avenue. At that time, the victim’s friends allege that a van with multiple men inside stopped ahead of them.
At that time, prosecutors said shots were fired from the van and into the car, striking Saintville. The victim’s friends then drove with Saintville back to the Good Times Emporium for police help.
The victim was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital and pronounced dead this morning.
Based upon an initial investigation, Boston Police were able to track the van to an address in Charlestown, where Williams was placed under arrest, prosecutors said.
The case remains under investigation by Somerville Police and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. The Assistant District Attorney who will handle the arraignment will be Marian Ryan.
do you really think this makes a difference? I mean this man that died is my stepdaughters fiance. this is a sad thing. he was a good guy, did not bother anyone nor was he in the gang life nor the drug life. A hard worker. I guess it is all the good ones that die. My fiance was killed by the gun and nothing was ever done about his murder. will these kids ever learn? PLEASE STOP! I can not take another loss.
Posted by: teixeira | April 21, 2007 at 09:40 PM
Rest in Peace man. Lots of Love...
Posted by: Andy | April 22, 2007 at 02:53 AM
One more strike for Good Times lets just shut them down and then they can go were ever they can.
Posted by: One | April 22, 2007 at 11:51 AM
to andy this isn't good times' fault. in a perfect world people just shouldn't own guns and everyone should just stop. this is very tragic story, and i feel sorry for those who died.
Posted by: me | April 22, 2007 at 02:39 PM
I grew up around Ferdinand. He lived right down the street from me. Every one in the projects knows each other very well. I'm cool with his little brother, and its just a real tragic thing that this had to happen to him. In the bridge, everyone is real close so when something like this happen the community feels it. Its seems to be every year someone dies from the bridge and its scary, cause it feels like your next. I mean my sisters were cool with him, he knew a lot of people. This man definitely had a lot of love from people. Like his family, people from around the neighborhood, high school friends, and co- workers. I just can't believe this happened to him. He was friendly, didn't seem like he spoke a lot, but then again he socialized with everyone very well. Its hard to understand that people would do this to him cause he was a friendly person. I just pray all this violence can stop. I pray for his family, and I know its a difficult time for them but with God in their lives; which I know they are religious they will get through this.
" Live for today, cause tomorrow is not promised"
~~~God Bless
R.I.P. Ferdinand Saintville
Posted by: Ky | April 22, 2007 at 03:30 PM
Another accident at good times. Well GOOD TIMES its time to say GOODNIGHT AND GOODBYE
Posted by: Ward 3 Voter | April 22, 2007 at 06:22 PM
Hey me,
Stop blaming it on gun ownership.
As for yet another black eye on GoodTimes... any count yet as to how many Aldermen were "spending" money and time inside?
Posted by: Lobo | April 22, 2007 at 07:08 PM
It's not Good Times fault, crime in the Boston and Greater Boston area is gonna happen nonetheless especially with summer fast approaching
Posted by: go_away_yuppies | April 23, 2007 at 10:30 AM
Could someone tell me how this is GoodTimes fault. The person who got killed was coming from GoodTimes but what makes you think the killers came from there. Even if they did, you act like their giving the kids the guns and telling them to shoot people. I guarentee this, that once GoodTimes moves, theres gonna be even more violence in the city because then the kids are gonna have no place to hang out and waste time. Their gonna be on the street corners and parks and troubles gonna find them. Yea there might be an altercation at GoodTimes here and there, but its mostly the grown folks starting it. They get drunk and thats when problems occur. Plus their all driving to GoodTimes and half of them drive home drunk as well, I dont see cops doing anything about that. Leave the kids with nothing then the crime rate rises, its a fact. Stop trying to build this city for out of towners, its not 5 dollar coffees and expensive clothing that makes the community, its the people just remember that.
Posted by: Jack Meofe | April 23, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Could someone tell me how this is GoodTimes fault. The person who got killed was coming from GoodTimes but what makes you think the killers came from there. Even if they did, you act like their giving the kids the guns and telling them to shoot people. I guarentee this, that once GoodTimes moves, theres gonna be even more violence in the city because then the kids are gonna have no place to hang out and waste time. Their gonna be on the street corners and parks and troubles gonna find them. Yea there might be an altercation at GoodTimes here and there, but its mostly the grown folks starting it. They get drunk and thats when problems occur. Plus their all driving to GoodTimes and half of them drive home drunk as well, I dont see cops doing anything about that. Leave the kids with nothing then the crime rate rises, its a fact. Stop trying to build this city for out of towners, its not 5 dollar coffees and expensive clothing that makes the community, its the people just remember that.
Posted by: Jack Meofe | April 23, 2007 at 10:45 AM
This is such a shame. Ferdinand is my cousin. Just last week he drove 6 hours all the way to Philly to bury another cousin of ours. He spent the night at my house & we were sitting ther conversing about how bad times had become, and how glad we were that we weren't involved in stuff that would lead to violence. ...JUST LAST WEEK. Now, I gotta take that 6 hour drive to go bury him. What I don't understand is, how does anyone get so upset that they feel that KILLING someone is the only way to handle what their upset about? I just don't get how people justify killing someone to themselves like: "...naaaa, dude's gotta DIE, b/c he pissed me off...". That's so stupid to me. Real rap, I have a short fuse to at times, & I propbably would kill someone, but not if my life wasn't threatened. These people taking lives are trying to live their lives like gangstas, but the thing is, even gangstas had better motives for killing people. Ganstas killed people for territory, to take over businesses, etc (not that I agree). At lease it made some sense. At least they did it in hopes of progression. Cats now days, have no problem pulling the trigge b/c they had an argument about something they won't even care about in a week.
Posted by: Sam | April 23, 2007 at 11:28 AM
We will miss you a great deal my love.Forever my little Burdd!
Posted by: Lone u forever | April 23, 2007 at 11:33 AM
Ok, Why isn't anyone talking about his son....burd was not as innocent as everyone on here claims...he was always screaming he was a thug always claiming to have a gun and all that other kid shit...the only real victim is his son juwan...my heart goes out to him!
Posted by: ok | April 23, 2007 at 02:09 PM
Meofe,
Yes, GoodTimes has donated a lot to the kids of this city, which is a good thing.
Yes, GoodTimes has given many a politician a "break" on the price for hosting events.
Yes, Many parents have used GoodTimes for birthday parties and such for smaller kids.
But, at night time GoodTimes attracts a bunch of thugs from all over the area. They come from near and far not just from our city. If you look at the police blotter a lot of idiots getting locked up from there don't even live in the city. So your argument about crime in this city and violence in our streets rising has no merit. Do you actually think the kids who do live in this city use Goodtimes 24/7? I think not. So they must be occupying their time with other activities that don't involve crime.
This place has become nothing more than a haven for punks and trouble makers and if this establishment was located nearer to a residential area it would have been closed down a long time ago. The funny part about this situation is even if GoodTimes didn't serve alcohol they would still make a ton of money.
Posted by: brickbottom | April 23, 2007 at 03:50 PM
Is it true that Good Times originally wanted to locate in the Dover Plaza building, behind the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square? I can't remember where I first heard this (maybe it was here on the News blog).
Posted by: Ron Newman | April 23, 2007 at 03:56 PM
GoodTimes isn't leaving because of the violence that occurs, their leaving because the lease has ended and dont have another place to go in somerville. But do you know theres a new arcade place thats gonna be built once they complete the orange line stop and the residential spaces in the new plans? That would be 10 years from now but i'm just trying to say. The city has nothing for these kids to keep them busy. They took away loews, goodtimes, everything. Everything in this city is aimed for the outside crowd and to keep them happy. They throw the kids of somerville to the side and it actually seems like they trying to get rid of them. The outsiders are gonna be here for couple years. The kids of somerville love the city so much that they want to live here the rest of their lives. And its sad cause they all have to move to malden or away from their homes due to this city thats main goal is to please the 21-35 year olds. Talking bout GoodTimes atracting all these outsiders up to no good, watch what chaos happens when ikea comes here, not on the gang status per say but from the traffic and pollution. That gonna kill more of us than the gang violence does.
Posted by: Jack Meofe | April 23, 2007 at 04:45 PM
Yes, at least my rusty mind remembers the area where a used window company was located. When this firm closed, the owner of Good Time wanted to open there but was turned down. This was an old building that bordered the RR tracks behind the theatre.
Posted by: Old Gent | April 23, 2007 at 04:51 PM
I think that everyone posting here is a little bit right. I know that we're suffering from a scourge of guns, but I really don't know what wise gun control policy should be. Too many people with bad intentions have easy access to guns. Yet, I saw, up close, a lot of good done by the Black Panthers in the late 60's. They ended a pattern of routine abuse, brutality, and forced warrantless entries by the Oakland Police Department, just by exercising their constitutional right to bear arms.
That said, no other location in the city has the continual pattern of aggravated assaults, attempted murders, and murders that Good Times does. This has always been true, but it seems to me that it got worse after Ray Zohngetti left.
Jack, you are probably right about trouble coming because kids have no where to go. On the other hand, the assaulters and muderers are mostly from out of town.
During the hours that Home Depot is open, its parking lot has long provided a great location to transact drug deals that originated at Good Times. But Home Depot has gotten the blame. I wonder if this has something to do with Dan Hayes' giving the maximum contribution to Somerville incumbents in every election.
Posted by: Bill Shelton | April 23, 2007 at 05:00 PM
"The city" did not take away the Loews cinema. Either AMC Theatres or the private landlord decided not to renew the lease.
Meanwhile, if teens still want to go to the movies, may I suggest the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square? That's still one more movie theatre than you will find in Malden, Medford, Melrose, Everett, Watertown, or many other nearby towns.
Posted by: Ron Newman | April 23, 2007 at 05:00 PM
To ok who left the message about Burd and his son. Yes, our heart & prayers do go out to him as he has lost his father. But in reply to your comment about him not being as innocent as everyone is claiming. This should be retracted. I understand you are in mourning however it is an incorrect statement. He did not claim to be a thug, nor did he live the lifestyle of one.
Posted by: A friend | April 23, 2007 at 05:09 PM
I once took my child to Good Times and he said to me, Mommy is this where gangs go? I was shocked when he said that because I got the same vibe and he was 7 years old. I never returned there!
One less problem for Somerville.
Posted by: Ms,Smith | April 23, 2007 at 05:14 PM
This is really sad for the community to loss a dear friend like Ferdinand. We went to school together. I spoke to him last week about hoping to see him around more and about his last recovery. I really miss him and he always made me laugh. Gob bless you. Love Mish.
Posted by: Mish | April 23, 2007 at 06:43 PM
To whom ever made that comment about Burd not being innocent. You need to get you facts correct.That man has never,ever hurt anyone nor started any problems w/anyone. In his life you know and I know that you made a total false statement about him.
Posted by: Get your facts correct before you make statements! | April 23, 2007 at 06:56 PM
I can't believe that someone would disrespect Ferdinand in this way. If you knew him you would know that HIS first concern was always his son, everything he did was in hopes to have a secure place for his son so that he could give him everything that he needed and if he had been given the chance more often he would have been an excellent, very involved father. He was far from a gangter, nor did he claim to be one. He worked hard and didn't bother anyone. He even treated people well that had done him wrong. He cared greatly for everyone in his life and only wanted to be happy and drama free. At this point, if you have nothing good and respectful to say you really should keep your comments to yourself, nobody would want a bunch of slander thrown around about them when they were departed, if you are so concerned about his son then don't give him anything negative to read about his father.
Posted by: Gabriella | April 24, 2007 at 03:08 PM
How dare you make those false comments about my little Burdd. If you really knew him and I'm sure that you did'nt than you can speak. He was the most caring and most respectful Man that me and my children have ever met.He always looked out for us in our good times and in our bad times. How dare you speak of him like that. I will always miss you my Little Burdd. He was on his way to do good things for himself and his family. I will miss him for Christmas, Birthday parties and all of the times he would come over to just play with the boys. He was a GOOD MAN and he will never be forgotten. Thank YOu for being there for us!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Nancy | April 24, 2007 at 03:25 PM
Rest in Peace Ferdinand. Thoughts and Prayers to the family he left behind.
Posted by: Valarie | April 24, 2007 at 06:59 PM
It is true! My brother was far from a gangster and if anyone should know him better that, would be me! For a fact he's always taken care of his son and now that he has passed he still continues to take care of his. Thank you all who supported us through this rough time and for those who showed their faces to pay their respects. Prior before my brother's death he was a father to his son, myself and my little brother, a manager getting paid hourly, working 6 days a week, paying taxes, and continuing to live his life (DRUG FREE)!
R.I.P BURDD
I had mad love for you !
Posted by: His Biological sister ! | April 30, 2007 at 06:16 PM
who is this fiance everyone is talking about. Burdd was no there for my son Juwan and even after death he left him with nothing. Now i hear that he bought a new car had a fiance and what about my Son, at the wake his friends didnt even aknowlege who i was or who Juwan was people should not be worring about her, her life will go on, my son now has no father to call daddy.
Posted by: licy | May 02, 2007 at 01:10 PM
When they my mother told me that my cousin burdd died, i was crying and freakin out because I couldnt believe! Him and his mother was suppose to come and see my mother,aunt and I Saturday afternoon.....I knew burdd since I was a young buck like 8 years old..for those who hated burdd all i can say is y'all made a wrong decision cuz hes a good farther, brother, son and a good cousin!Oh man I still cant believe what happen...Its really hard when someone that u really love is not there with u anymore..this is y i say live ur life to da fullest cuz tomorrow is not promise...I LOVE U BURDD with all my heart!
From ur cousin Jessica
Posted by: Jessica | May 04, 2007 at 08:34 PM
I love you ferdinand a.k.a Burdd even though your gone you will always be in my heart i can't believe this happened damn why you had to leave
~R.I.P~ my street brother burdd love you
--Rose
Posted by: Rose | May 08, 2007 at 02:07 PM
Burd was aight look wat his BM sayin can u truly say that was a innocent man. For his sister and everyone else if u really knew burd he was cool but def thought he was a thug. I been on da street wit him and his friends he tried to play the tough guy roll alot. Which he was probably doin at good times. I talk from experience but Rip Burd
He has no Fiance that thing is not his fiance. Bm have nothin to worry bout.
Fiance Whatttt
Posted by: Oh yeah u kno Burd | May 15, 2007 at 08:05 PM
thank you to oh yeah u kno burd. you are the only person to say something on my son's and my behalf. And as far as worring not happening, my son will be well taken care of by me like i have been doing since day one. i graduate college in December and our lives will be ok with the grace of God, thanks again hun.
Posted by: licy | May 16, 2007 at 04:12 PM
What is wrong w/you people ? Can the man rest in peace ?
He who was with him through it all and to the end much respect to you and I know you know who I'm talking about!!!! But as far as you others...."GO GET A LIFE" Dont try to validate your pain and suffering on other people. You people need to take a long good LOOK in the mirror and see, who the real THINGS are. You are horrible people...
Posted by: Lucy | May 18, 2007 at 10:19 AM
Well Licy*real name lisa*
U got some nerve Sayin he left ya son nuthin. I know he did more than you did so you can just go somewhere with yaself. Plus you're fake talkin all that junk about him but crying your eyes out at the funeral. If you gonna say all that negative stuff about him then you should've never shown up and should've just let my aunt take juwan to the funeral. I hope Karma Bites u in ya ass. Ferdinand Will be missed by all and everyday he's always on my mind. He's someone I can never forget.
Posted by: Famz | December 02, 2007 at 12:43 PM
This is like a Lazarus thread. Back from the dead.
Posted by: Election | December 02, 2007 at 01:36 PM