Getaway driver found guilty in 2014 slay
The getaway driver in the 2014 slaying of 17-yearold Ryan Morrissey in Charlestown was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder yesterday, while two co-defendants — accused of being the shooters — were acquitted.
Julio Baez, 26 of Charlestown, faces a mandatory life sentence today on charges of murder, armed assault with intent to murder, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said in a statement.
Baez was convicted in the Nov. 5, 2014, shooting that claimed Morrissey’s life and wounded his 19-yearold friend.
Co-defendants Danilo Soto, 24, and Alexander Soto, 20, were acquitted of murder and related charges.
Prosecutors had told the jury they believed the two Sotos, who are not related, opened fire that November night outside a convenience store on Main Street. But prosecutors said they believed their case was hindered by witnesses who lied or remained silent.
“We believe the totality of evidence supported each and every charge, even without certain testimony that would have been valuable. We’re disappointed with parts of the verdict, but we respect the jury’s hard work over almost an entire week to reach it. Our concern right now is for the Morrissey family and the grief, as raw now as ever, they’re still confronting,” Conley said.
Morrissey, a hockey player and counselor at the Charlestown Boys & Girls Club, was found lying on his side after being shot in the chest. He died four days later at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Prosecutors believe Morrissey and his teen pal were innocent victims who were at the wrong place at the wrong time.
“No verdict can bring Ryan Morrissey back or undo the harm his friend suffered that night, but this jury brought some measure of justice for both,” Conley said. “For the community at large, this case took a dangerously violent individual off of Boston’s streets.”