Man Arraigned in December Homicide

BOSTON, May 10, 2021—The man accused of murdering Storlen Webster last year was ordered held without bail during his arraignment yesterday.

EMMANUEL MALDONADO, 21, of Hyde Park, was arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court on a charge of second-degree murder, three counts of armed assault with intent to murder and single counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.  At the request of Assistant District Attorney David McGowan, Judge Michael Doolin ordered Maldonado held without bail while the case is pending.

ADA McGowan told the court that Mr. Webster and two acquaintances drove to Mr. Maldonado’s Ellis Street home on December 13, 2020, with the intention of purchasing marijuana.  After arriving at the location, the victim and one of his friends exited the vehicle and interacted with Mr. Maldonado, who fired a shot that struck Mr. Webster in the abdomen. 

Mr. Webster and his friend fled to the vehicle and attempted to drive from the area. However, Mr. Maldonado allegedly continued to fire on the vehicle.  Prosecutors allege that he caused the vehicle to become disabled, forcing the victims to flee on foot.  Mr. Webster collapsed a short distance from the vehicle and later succumbed to his injuries.

A Suffolk County grand jury returned indictments against Mr. Maldonado on March 31, 2021.  Members of the Boston Police Department took him into custody on Friday at a residence in Mattapan.

“As a result of violence perpetrated by Mr. Maldonado, the Webster family is now left to cope with the pain and loss of their loved one.  There are also two surviving victims of this attack who must now live with the trauma of what they have endured,” District Attorney Rollins said.  “My office will continue to work with these victims and survivors as this case moves forward through the criminal legal system.”

Anite Cetoute is the assigned Victim Witness Advocate.  Mr. Maldonado is represented by Gordon Spencer.  He returns to court May 22, 2021.

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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.