STILL AT LARGE: New Bedford Double Murder Suspect Carmelo Kercado

NEW BEDFORD - More than two weeks have passed since New Bedford's 7th and 8th homicides of the year, and there are still no arrests in the case.

State Police added Carmelo Kercado, Jr., to the Massachusetts Most Wanted list on October 13, three days after the double homicide.

Authorities believe Kercado was in the car in the early morning hours of October 10 with Stephen Bodden, 27, and Fabio Tavares, 28, when he pulled a gun and shot the two men as they were driving on Central Avenue, causing the car to crash into a parked vehicle. Police say Kercado fled the scene on foot.

He's described as a 5' 9" tall black man, weighing 230 pounds. Kercado is often seen wearing glasses and goes by various aliases including "Melo," "David Brown," and "Carmelo Mello." Kercado has two distinctive tattoos: a panther on his back and the word "Jaysayah" on his left forearm.

Kercado has a lenthy criminal record, which includes prior convictions for weapons possession and assault charges. Police are seeking Kercado for the double murder and for possession of a Class B substance on a separate warrant.

Police say he has connections in New Bedford, Randolph, and Boston. He is considered armed and dangerous. Police say he often carries a firearm and has access to rifles.

Anyone with information about Kercado is asked to contact the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section at 1-800-KAPTURE (1-800-527-8873) Or 911.