New Bedford Homicide Investigation
Bristol County District Attorney’s Office
Thomas M. Quinn III
District Attorney
Press Release
November 27, 2020
New Bedford Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the district attorney’s office, and Homicide Unit prosecutors are actively investigating a homicide, which took place this morning in The City of New Bedford.
New Bedford Police received 911 calls regarding shots fired on Lafrance Street at around 10:21 a.m. today. When officers arrived on scene, they located one of two victims and rushed him to St. Luke’s Hospital. That victim, who was later identified as 40-year-old Angel Cruz, was later pronounced deceased. It is unclear at this time where Mr. Cruz was currently residing.
A second shooting victim was able to get into a vehicle and attempted to drive to the hospital, but crashed in the area of Linden and County streets. That victim, a 32-year-old New Bedford man, was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital before being transported to Rhode Island Hospital. This victim, who is not being identified at this time, is listed in critical condition.
While police were investigating the double-shooting, they received a description of the shooter. About 45 minutes after the double-shooting, New Bedford Police officers came upon a man matching the shooter’s description near the corner of Penniman and Reynolds streets. When officers approached the man, later identified as Jon Zell, 18, of Mattapoisett, he began firing a handgun at them. After firing all the bullets in the gun, police were able to subdue him and take him into custody.
No officers were injured during the incident and none of the officers returned fire on the suspect before getting him into custody.
The defendant is being charged at this time with multiple counts of armed assault with intent to murder. More charges may be lodged against the defendant as the investigation continues. He is slated to be held in jail through the weekend and arraigned on Monday morning in New Bedford District Court.
The investigation into this case is extremely active and ongoing at this time. No further comment can be made. If more charges are filed against the defendant prior to his arraignment on Monday, this office will send out a follow up press release.
Contact:
Gregg Miliote
Director of Communications
774-292-9576