No Bail in DV Stabbing at Downtown Hotel

BOSTON, February 22, 2021—A New Hampshire man who fatally stabbed his brother-in-law, Christopher Kellar, in a Downtown hotel room will be held without bail pending trial, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said.

During an arraignment today in the Central Division of Boston Municipal Court, Judge James Stanton allowed a request by prosecutors to hold REN RODGERS, 23, of Hollis, N.H., without bail on a charge of murder.  An attorney for Mr. Rodgers, Jose Serpa, had requested that bail be set in the amount of $25,000.

Assistant District Attorney Tara Burdman of District Attorney Rollins’ Homicide Unit told the court that Mr. Kellar and an acquaintance were in Boston on the night of February 20, 2021, with Mr. Rodgers and his wife – the victim’s sister – were in Boston to celebrate Mr. Keller’s 21st birthday and the birthday of Mr. Rodgers’ wife.  The victim and his sister became involved in a verbal altercation inside a Friend Street hotel room.  Mr. Kellar left the room with his belongings but later returned to retrieve additional items shortly before 11:30 p.m.  The altercation continued upon his return, during which the victim began pushing his sister.

Mr. Rodgers is accused of stabbing the unarmed victim in the back with a knife.  He remained at the hotel until the arrival of Boston Police officers.

“Domestic violence is not limited to any race, gender, demographic or family constellation.  It can occur between family and household members, not just intimate partners,” District Attorney Rollins said.  “The grief of losing a loved one to domestic violence is only compounded by the complex family relationships and dynamics at play.  My Office is available to provide the support and resources that Mr. Kellar’s family may need as they begin to cope with their unimaginable grief and begin the long journey toward healing.”

Jillian Rose is the assigned Victim Witness Advocate.  Mr. Rodgers returns to court March 22, 2021.

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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.