MURDER SUSPECT ARRESTED IN THE SHOOTING DEATH OF 15 YEAR-OLD SOHEIL TURNERBoston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis and Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley today announced the arrest of a suspect responsible for the fatal shooting of 15 year-old Soheil Turner on May 7, 2009.
An extensive investigation by the Boston Police Homicide Unit, detectives from District B-2 and Suffolk prosecutors identified Xzeniyeju Chukwuezi, 18, of Roxbury as the suspect responsible for Soheil’s death. Based on evidence developed through relentless detective work and community cooperation, homicide detectives today secured an arrest warrant charging Chukwuezi with Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
On May 7, 2009 at approximately 7:22am, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a radio call at 305 Dudley Street for a person shot. Upon arrival, officers located a 15 year-old male victim suffering from what appeared to be two gunshot wounds. The victim was rushed to Boston Medical Center where he was treated for life-threatening injuries. Soheil was soon pronounced as a result of his injuries.
Commissioner Davis stated, “I would like to commend the dogged detective work and the dedicated efforts of Suffolk County prosecutors along with the commitment of detectives from the Homicide Unit, District B-2 and the Boston Police School Police Unit and community participation that led to the successful identification and apprehension of the perpetrator responsible for Soheil’s death,” Davis added, “I hope today’s arrest brings some small sense of peace to Soheil’s family and loved ones as they continue to mourn the tragic death of a life lost far too young.”
District Attorney Conley stated, “Soheil Turner\’s death can be treated as the end of one young life, or it can serve as a renewed call for peace and non-violence in the neighborhoods of our city. There is no good explanation or excuse for Soheil Turner\’s death, but we hope that today\’s arrest – while only the beginning of a process to hold his killer accountable – brings at least some small measure of comfort to Soheil\’s family and friends.\”
Members of the Homicide Unit and detectives from District B-2 arrested Chukwuezi today and he is expected to be arraigned on murder and related charges tomorrow.
