Suspect Being Sought in Tuesday New Bedford Double Murder
Bristol County District Attorney’s Office
Thomas M. Quinn III
District Attorney
Press Release
October 13, 2017
Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III, New Bedford Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro and Massachusetts State Police today announced that Carmelo Kercado Jr., 35, of New Bedford, is being actively sought for a Tuesday morning double murder, which occurred in the City of New Bedford.
An arrest warrant has been lodged against Mr. Kercado, charging him with two counts of murder, carrying an illegal firearm, carrying a loaded illegal firearm, and discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a building.
Mr. Kercado is to be considered armed and dangerous. The public is asked to not approach or attempt to subdue him in anyway.
If anyone knows his whereabouts or may have information regarding his connections or potential location, they are urged to either contact New Bedford Police at 508-991-6300 or the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section at 1-800-KAPTURE (1-800-527-8873)
Mr. Kercado is accused of shooting and killing Stephen Bodden, 27, of New Bedford and Taunton, and Fabio Tavares, 28, of New Bedford, while the three of them drove in a vehicle along Central Avenue Tuesday morning around 1:30 a.m.
New Bedford Police received a 911 call around 1:30 a.m. in regards to shots being fired at a motor vehicle at 200 Central Avenue. The caller stated that popping sounds were heard on the street just prior to the sound of a car crash. When police arrived, they found the 2001 Honda Accord angled up against a parked car on the south side of the streets.
First responders determined the Stephen Bodden, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle was already deceased. A second victim, Fabio Tavares, was sitting in the passenger seat and was found to still be breathing. He was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, where he later died.
The investigation is currently being coordinated by Assistant District Attorney Robert Digiantomaso.
Contact:
Gregg Miliote
Director of Communications
508-997-0711
774-292-9576–cell