Four men charged in slaying of 22-year-old in Dot hotel room with guns, cash, jewelry

Four men who intended to rob a man of guns, cash and jewelry were indicted for his murder yesterday, prosecutors said.

Joshua Briggs, 22, was shot to death inside a Holiday Inn Express in Dorchester on Oct. 17.

James Coleman, 26, John Collins, 24, Errin Crawford Jr., 29, and Michael Reynolds, 24, were all charged with first-degree murder, three counts each of armed robbery and armed home invasion. Collins and Reynolds were additionally indicted for unlawful possession of a firearm. The four pleaded not guilty yesterday in Suffolk Superior Court and were held on bail ranging from $200,000 to $500,000.

“The indictments allege that the defendants knew there were guns in that room, and they returned with more guns of their own,” Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said. “It was a powder keg, and we submit that their actions ignited it, leading to Joshua Briggs’ death. Investigations like this one show the strength of the grand jury in solving complex cases. The prosecutors and police detectives assigned to this case deserve great credit for bringing us one step closer to justice for Mr. Briggs’ family.”

Briggs and others were inside a room at the hotel on the night of Oct. 16 into the early morning hours of Oct. 17, prosecutors said.

Coleman, Collins and Crawford were also present but were ejected by hotel staff after a fight. Prosecutors said the three returned with another man, Reynolds, and forced their way into the room at about 4:15 a.m.

Collins and Reynolds had guns, but prosecutors said all four men took part in the robbery. At some point, Briggs was shot and killed. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

“I want to commend the Boston Police Homicide Unit and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for their work on this case,” Boston police Commissioner William B. Evans said. “Thanks to their combined efforts, four individuals are now charged with the murder of Joshua Briggs. Making sure that those responsible are held accountable is one of the ways we can help bring some level of comfort to the victim’s family and loved ones.”