Fall River Bank Street Murder Suspect Arrested in Connecticut

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — Police have arrested a man earlier today connected to the 2023 Fall River killing of Juan Manuel Batista, 44.

Lee Maldonado, 28, of Connecticut, was apprehended today by police in Willimantic, Connecticut.

He was indicted last week in Bristol County on murder charges, carrying an illegal firearm, armed kidnapping, conspiracy to violate the drug laws, attempt to commit a crime and two counts of attempted assault and battery by means of a firearm.

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The charges date back to December 23, 2023, when Fall River responded to a 911 call around 5:18 p.m. regarding a shooting at 326 Bank Street.

When first responders arrived, they found Batista on the porch, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Maldonado will be arraigned in Connecticut as a Fugitive from Justice. If he waives rendition at that arraignment, he would likely be returned soon to Massachusetts for arraignment in Fall River District Court on the Murder and firearm charges.  

According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, the process for having him returned to Massachusetts to face charges would take longer if Maldonado refuses to waive rendition. 

Angel Fabian Robles-Nicasio, 22, who is also connected to the killing, was arrested in January. He faces charges of murder, carrying an illegal firearm, and conspiracy to traffic cocaine. 

Robles-Nicasio is currently being held without bail.