Fall River Police Announce 27-Count Indictment Against Shooting Suspects
FALL RIVER — Fall River Police have announced the conclusion of an eight-month investigation that has resulted in a 27-count grand jury indictment regarding four shootings that took place in the city.
The investigation was conducted by the Fall River Police Major Crimes Division, led by Detective Luis Vertentes, looking into a pair of shootings on November 8, 2020, and another pair of shootings on January 17, 2021.
“It does not matter how long it takes or how many resources are needed. We will identify and incarcerate those using illegal guns in Fall River,” said Chief of Police Jeffrey Cardoza. “I would like to thank District Attorney (Thomas) Quinn, Detective Vertentes, and the Major Crimes Division for their relentless follow up on these shootings.”
Shots were fired into a house on Lafayette Street on November 8, with another shooting happening at the corner of Tremont and Pine Streets just minutes later.
Then on January 17, shots were fired into a home on Charles Street, as well as into a vehicle on North Eastern Avenue a short time later.
Police were able to identify and arrest three suspects: Carlton Albert, 32; Malik Staten, 24; and Alex Castillo, 29.
The 27 indictments covered the following charges:
Carlton Albert is indicted on four counts of carrying/possessing a non-large capacity firearm in public without an FID card; four counts of carrying a loaded firearm in public without a license; two counts of defacing personal property; discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building; three counts of firearm violation with three prior violent/drug crimes; two counts of possession of ammunition without an FID card.
Malik Staten is indicted on three counts of carrying/possessing a non-large capacity firearm in public without an LTC; three counts of carrying a loaded firearm in public unlicensed; possession of a Class D substance with intent to distribute; operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license; two counts of defacing personal property; discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a building.
Alex Castillo is indicted on two counts of carrying a firearm without a license; two counts of carrying a loaded firearm in public without a license; two counts of firearm violation with two prior violent/drug crimes; defacing personal property; and assault with a dangerous weapon.