Chelsea District Court arraignment of Jefferson Barillas for 4/21 shooting of innocent bystander
In the Chelsea shooting arraignment today (shooting occurred on 4/21), the defendant, Jefferson Barillas, 18, of Lynn, was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on May 2. Barillas is charged with assault with intent to murder on a person over 60, assault and battery with a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling. ADA Myriam Feliz handled the arraignment.
District Attorney Kevin Hayden met with the victim, a 68-year-old woman, and the victim’s son this morning prior to the arraignment. He attended the arraignment and addressed the media after. Below is a transcript of his remarks.
“I went to check in with her and see how she's doing. It's a miracle that we're talking about a survivor. Someone who was shot in the upper right arm and in the chest. And it is literally a miracle that she's alive. She and her family have shown tremendous strength and grace through this matter. In fact, when I spoke with her this morning, and I asked her if I could share this, she told me that after she realized she had been shot, and she found herself worried of her own safety, she also thanked God that there were no children outside from a nearby school. And when this happens, that was her concern, as I spoke with her this morning, that there were no children in this area. I want to thank the Chelsea Police Department, and Chief Kyes and other detectives involved and the Mass State Police and our office on the incredible work they've done in solving this matter and being able to bring the accused here to court to stand for the charges that have been brought before him. And I will say beyond that, that you know. These are types of cases that tear right at the very fabric of our communities, and tear right at the very heart of our citizens and good people. A 68-year-old woman going to get her taxes done, should never be subjected to this sort of situation, where she found herself in an incident as she described, her life changed and having been shot in the chest. Brazen acts like this in broad daylight without any conscience for the safety and welfare of others is completely unacceptable. This is not a case for just my office. This is not just a case just for the Chelsea Police Department. This is a case for our entire community and our society at large. We need a community response to incidents like this. It is literally a miracle that this woman is alive. And I trust hope and remain to pray that she'll continue to do well in her recovery.”
James Borghesani, Chief of Communications