No Bail in Fatal Shooting at Summer Gathering

BOSTON, June 22, 2021—A man was arraigned today on a charge of murder for fatally shooting 33-year-old Stacy Coleman on Sunday evening, District Attorney Rachael Rollins said.

IRA GRAYSON, 35, of Manchester, N.H., was ordered held without bail at his arraignment today in the Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court.  He is charged with murder and unlawful possession of a firearm, as well as drug-related offenses.  According to prosecutors, Mr. Grayson is currently on federal supervised release following a conviction in New Hampshire for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Hickman of District Attorney Rollins’ Homicide Unit told the court that members of the Boston Police Department responded to a Shot Spotter activation on Danube Street at approximately 8:36 p.m. on June 20, 2021.  Mr. Coleman was found suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.  He was transported to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

During the course of the investigation, Boston Police detectives assigned to the Homicide Unit learned that Mr. Grayson and Mr. Coleman were both present at an outdoor gathering on Danube Street when they became involved in an altercation.  ADA Hickman told the court that there were two firearms involved in the altercation, and Mr. Grayson admitted himself to an area hospital with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the arm.  He was in possession of illicit drugs at the time of his arrest at the hospital.

“As the weather turns warm and our communities shed pandemic-era restrictions on gatherings, there become more opportunities for personal conflict and confrontations.  No matter what those conflicts may be, there is never an excuse for taking a life or inflicting harm through violence,” District Attorney Rollins said.  “Mr. Coleman’s family and loved ones are now left grieving and asking questions that we will try our best to answer.  My office is available to this family and all survivors of homicide in Suffolk County to help connect them with resources and to provide the support they deserve.”

Jillian Rose is the assigned Victim Witness Advocate.  Mr. Grayson is represented by James Sultan.  He returns to court August 20, 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.