Alleged Lookout Charged in Washington Street Homicide
BOSTON, April 10, 2019—Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins yesterday announced a significant development in the investigation into the shooting death last year of 63-year-old Jose Williams during an apparent robbery attempt at a Dorchester gas station.
Late last week, District Attorney Rollins approved a warrant charging GREGORY SIMMONS, 26, of Dorchester with murder, attempted armed robbery while masked, and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with Mr. Williams’ Oct. 6, 2018, homicide at the Fabian Market on Washington Street. Boston Police homicide detectives apprehended the defendant yesterday and he was held without bail at his arraignment in Dorchester Municipal Court this morning.
“This type of violent behavior will not be tolerated, and the people involved will be held accountable,” District Attorney Rollins said. “The prosecutors in my Homicide Unit will follow the evidence wherever it leads, with one goal: to find the truth and put it to a Suffolk County jury. Mr. Williams, his family, and the community deserve nothing less than our best efforts.”
District Attorney Rollins said the investigation into Mr. Williams’ homicide has remained active during her time in office and that the evidence at this time supported charges against the defendant, who allegedly acted as a lookout during the attempted robbery. Prosecutors say the gunman fled down Melville Street, where the defendant was waiting for him. A search warrant on cell towers in the area revealed that phones in use at that time and location were also in close proximity to several other armed robberies with similar features in and around Boston.
Anyone with additional information on the case is urged to share it with the Boston Police Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470, District Attorney Rollins said.
Simmons was represented yesterday by attorney Chris Belezos. He will return to court on May 8.
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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.