Man Held Without Bail in Connection with July 5 Homicide
Kristian Maraj charged with Murder of Felicity Coleman
BOSTON, November 10, 2020 — A man charged in the fatal shooting of Dorchester woman early on the morning of July 5, 2020 was arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court on murder and firearms charges yesterday, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins announced.
KRISTIAN MARAJ, 22, was ordered held without bail in connection with the murder of Felicity Coleman, 34.
Assistant District Attorney David Bradley told Judge Jeffrey Locke that a group of people had gathered around Stonehurst Street and Norton Street in Dorchester to watch individuals set off fireworks.
Mr. Maraj got into a fight with another individual and dropped a gun, which a friend picked up and ran with towards Mr. Maraj’s house on Hamilton Street. Mr. Maraj’s father tried to intercede in the fight, and was stabbed. Mr. Maraj retrieved the gun and ran back towards Norton Street shooting at a group of people and fatally wounding Ms. Coleman.
“Ms. Coleman was outside watching fireworks when she was shot and murdered. Residents of our community deserve to be able to walk outside with fear of violence and harm. My staff and I are here to provide Ms. Coleman’s family and every homicide survivor with resources and assistance to begin the long and grueling legal process and journey toward healing.
“The Boston Police did an exceptional job in this case and their work should be commended."
BIANCA BALKISHUN, Mr. Maraj’s sister, is also a defendant, charged with witness intimidation. She was not present for the arraignment. On July 14, she is alleged to have told a witness: “You are ratting my brother out…there’s a bullet with your name on it…watch out, you’re next.’’ District Attorney Rollins said, “Witness intimidation charges are taken very seriously, as many our cases cannot be solved without witnesses coming forward. A large part of our job in the DA’s Office is helping witnesses feel safe enough to trust the legal process to testify; while trusting law enforcement enough to protect them from harm when and if they do. We take this responsibility to heart in Suffolk County, and it shows, as our office utilizes well over 80% of the witness protection funds allocated to the entire State.”
Elise McConnell is the Victim Witness Advocate assigned to the case. Maraj is represented by Christopher Belezos. He returns to court on Dec. 15, 2020. Attorney Patrick Kelly represents Balkishun.
Charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 25,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.