Roxbury Man Arraigned in Waumbeck Street Shooting
BOSTON, July 28, 2020 — District Attorney Rachael Rollins today announced the arraignment of NAJE DUCHARD, 19, of Roxbury on armed assault with intent to murder and other charges in connection with the July 21 shooting of an individual on Waumbeck Street.
The victim remains in critical condition and the charges will be increased if he ultimately succumbs to his wounds.
The preliminary investigation indicates that the victim was riding on a scooter on Waumbeck Street in Roxbury and had stopped to talk to a relative when several gunmen appeared on foot and opened fire. The victim was struck multiple times. A Boston Police officer heard the gunshots, rushed to the scene and pursued the alleged assailants who were running toward a vehicle.
“My office continues to work tirelessly with the Boston Police and the Suffolk County State Police detective unit to investigate every shooting and homicide in our neighborhoods. We are going to hold those responsible for the violence in our communities accountable,’’ said DA Rollins.
“As the top law enforcement official in Suffolk County, I’m committed to collaborating with our law enforcement and community partners to address the recent uptick in non-fatal shooting and homicides. We are all concerned by the violence and are working together to remove individuals that cause harm and damage our neighborhoods. Every community throughout Suffolk County - from Revere to Readville; Chelsea to Charlestown; Winthrop to West Roxbury - deserves to be safe and free from violence. I live in Roxbury. The overwhelming majority of people here are hard-working, law-abiding individuals, trying to raise their families, enjoy their lives, or just remain healthy and safe during this global pandemic. We have the same hopes and dreams and concerns and fears as the residents of Winchester, Wellesley, Waban and Weston. We too should be able to ride a bike or a scooter down a street on a hot summer night and not have to live with the fear of being shot or harmed.
“If anyone has information or knows anything related to any violent crimes or homicides - no matter how old - we ask that you contact the Boston Police or my office. I will do everything in my power to protect you and keep you safe if you come forward.”
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Earlier today, Mr. Duchard was held without bail until a hearing on Aug. 4.
During the course of the pursuit, the officer discharged his weapon during the pursuit. No one was struck or harmed. That incident, nonetheless, like all officer-involved shootings, will be reviewed by DA Rollins’ Discharge Integrity Team.
Charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proved 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.