Accomplice Convicted in Fatal 2015 New Bedford Robbery

FALL RIVER — A New Bedford man has been convicted of manslaughter and other felonies connected to a fatal robbery after the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament in New Bedford nearly four years ago.

Darian Cardoza, 21, of New Bedford, pleaded guilty Friday morning in Fall River Superior Court to charges of manslaughter, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Cardoza was sentenced by Judge Renee Dupuis to serve 10 to 15 years in prison with three years of supervised probation upon his release.

Cardoza, who was 17 years old at the time of the murder, was an accomplice. The alleged shooter, Michael Sousa, 25, of New Bedford, awaits trial on a multi-count indictment charging him with murder, armed robbery, witness intimidation, and carrying an illegal firearm. Sousa is due back in Fall River Superior Court on Feb. 4 for a pretrial hearing.

The victim, Jeffrey Sylvia, Jr., of New Bedford, was with the two defendants on the night of August 1, 2015 at the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament in New Bedford. Sylvia was driving the two defendants home when he was robbed and fatally shot at around 1:30 a.m. on August 2 near the intersection of Blackmer Street and Acushnet Avenue. Sylvia was found by police in the roadway with his pants pockets turned out.

“The defendant was a juvenile at the time the offense was committed,” District Attorney Quinn said. “This sentence holds him accountable for his actions/role in this very serious case.  The alleged shooter’s case is still pending.”