Man Indicted for November New Bedford Homicide

February 28, 2014

District Attorney Sam Sutter announced today that a Bristol County Grand Jury has indicted 25-year-old Hailton DaCosta for the November 23rd murder of Sharone Stafford in New Bedford.

The grand jury indicted Mr. DaCosta, of 85 Mosher Street, New Bedford, on charges of murder, armed assault with intent to rob and possession of an illegal firearm. Mr. DaCosta, who is already being held without bail as a result of his November 27th district court arraignment, will be arraigned on the indictments in Fall River Superior Court on March 10.

Two other men arrested by police days after the murder still have cases pending in New Bedford District Court connected to the homicide.

Elito Mendes, 21, of 211 County Street, who is charged with accessory to murder after the fact, carrying an illegal firearm, armed robbery, and the obstruction of justice portion of the witness intimidation statute, was ordered held on $150,000 cash bail.

Samir Baptista, 27, of 115 Norwell Street, who is charged with accessory to murder before the fact, was ordered held without bail during his arraignment.

Police received calls reporting gunshots in the area of Winsor and Crapo streets around 11:45 on November 23rd. Upon arrival at the scene, police and rescue personnel located a male victim lying in the street on Winsor Street, near where it intersects with Crapo Street. The male victim was later identified as Sharone Stafford, 31, of New Bedford.

Mr. Stafford was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on November 24th.

Assistant District Attorney Dennis Collins is prosecuting the case.

Contacts:

Gregg Miliote

Director of Communications

508-997-0711

774-292-9576—after hours

 

Ashley Bendiksen

Media Assistant

508-997-0711

774-929-5614—after hours