New Bedford Man Convicted of Manslaughter; Sentenced to More Than A Decade In Prison

Bristol County District Attorney’s Office

Thomas M. Quinn III

District Attorney​

Press Release

January 25, 2019

A 21-year-old New Bedford man was convicted today in Fall River Superior Court of manslaughter and other felonies connected to the August 2015 shooting homicide of Jeffrey Sylvia Jr. in New Bedford, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Darian Cardoza, who was 17 at the time of the slaying, pleaded guilty this morning to charges of manslaughter, armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm. Judge Renee Dupuis sentenced the defendant to serve 10 to 15 years in state prison, to be followed by three years of supervised probation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Dennis Collins.

The defendant was an accomplice in the homicide.  The alleged shooter, Michael Sousa, 25, of New Bedford, is still awaiting trial on a multi-count indictment charging him with murder, armed robbery, witness intimidation and carrying an illegal firearm.  He is due back in Fall River Superior Court on February 4 for a pretrial hearing

The victim and the two defendants attended the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament on the night of August 1, 2015. The victim was then driving the two defendants home when he was robbed, shot and killed around 1:30 a.m. on August 2 near the intersection of Blackmer Street and Acushnet Avenue.  The victim was found in the roadway by police with his pants pockets turned out.

“The defendant was a juvenile at the time the offense was committed,” District Attorney Quinn said. “This sentence holds him accountable for his actions/role in this very serious case.  The alleged shooter’s case is still pending.”

Contact:

Gregg Miliote

Director of Communications

508-997-07611

774-292-9576–cell