The Man who Opened Fire on a July 4 Gathering and Fatally Struck 34-Year-Old is Arraigned

BOSTON, July 6, 2020 — KRISTIAN MARAJ, 22, of Dorchester was arraigned this morning in the Dorchester Division of Boston Municipal Court for murder and firearm offenses in connection with shooting in the early morning of July 5.

Felicity Coleman, 34, was struck and killed by one of the shots fired. At the request of Assistant District Attorney David Bradley, Maraj was ordered held without bail while the case is pending.

According to prosecutors, a group had gathered in the area of Stonehurst Street to watch individuals set off fireworks.  Maraj was present at the gathering with two other men.

He became involved in an argument with another individual, during which Maraj allegedly displayed a firearm. Maraj and his two companions eventually left the location, but he returned a short time later, shirtless and firing into the crowd, prosecutors said.  Coleman, who was present at the gathering but not believed to be involved in the fight that preceded the shooting, was fatally struck.

“Acts of violence have no place in Suffolk County, and my Office will work diligently with our partners in law enforcement and the community to hold accountable those who would take a life and scar the lives of so many others in our community. My Office will also work with victims and survivors to make sure they are cared for and heard,” District Attorney Rollins said.

Elise McConnell is the assigned Victim Witness Advocate.  Maraj is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 5, 2020.

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.