Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis and Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley today announced the arrest of three suspects for the September 2 stabbing death of 58 year old Richel Nova of Hyde Park.
Boston Police homicide detectives have placed under arrest Michel Andre St. Jean, 20, of Hyde Park; Alexander Emmanuel Gallett, 18, of Hyde Park and Yamiley Mathurin, 17, of Mattapan. All three suspects are charged with Murder, Armed Robbery and Armed Breaking and entering of a Dwelling House.
Suspect photos will not be released at this time due to the nature of the investigation and, in particular, the extremely sensitive nature of eyewitness identifications developed thus far.
Commissioner Davis stated, “Richel Nova was a hard-working man, making an honest living to provide for his family when he was preyed upon by three vicious thugs. For a small amount of money, these suspects committed unspeakable acts of violence while showing Mr. Nova no mercy. The criminal justice system should equally show no mercy in determining their punishment.” Commissioner Davis added, “I applaud the remarkable work put forth by members of the BPD, the District Attorney’s Office, partnering law enforcement agencies and the community.”
District Attorney Conley stated, “Mr. Nova\’s death was chilling in its callousness and violence. His family and community should know that police and prosecutors would not rest until those responsible were identified and will not relent until they answer for their crimes.”
At about 12:00am on September 2, 2010, officers from District E-18 (Hyde Park) responded to a radio call for a man down at 742 Hyde Park Ave in Hyde Park. While enroute, a Boston Police dispatcher updated the officers that the victim is a Domino’s pizza deliveryman and he is suffering from injuries.
On arrival, officers located the victim inside of 742 Hyde Park Ave. Officers observed the victim suffering from stab wounds. Mr. Nova was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The preliminary investigation indicated that 2 black males and 1 black female fled in the victim’s vehicle. Boston Police immediately broadcast the vehicle description to all officers and media. A vigilant community member contacted the department and stated that he had located the suspect vehicle parked behind 1450 River Street in Hyde Park.
Homicide detectives continued to receive community cooperation and develop substantial evidence. At that time, the Boston Police Fugitive & Apprehension Unit began conducting surveillance on addresses of persons of interest. The Fugitive Unit located these individuals, who were subsequently interviewed by homicide detectives.
Based upon suspect statements, physical evidence and surveillance video, the three above named suspects were placed under arrest and held responsible for the stabbing death of Richel Nova.
This swift effort was made possible by a significant amount of cooperation among BPD units, Suffolk County prosecutors, partnering law enforcement agencies, the community and media. The Boston Police Department would like to recognize the Boston Police Homicide Unit, the Fugitive and Apprehension Unit, officers from District E-18, Suffolk County prosecutors, the MBTA police, U.S. Marshals Service, Needham Police Department and cooperative community members.
This investigation remains active and ongoing.