CHELSEA, Mass. (AP) - A fatal shooting near a Massachusetts ice cream shop last weekend was sparked by a dispute over a stolen backpack, prosecutors said at the suspect’s arraignment.
Felix Martinez, 19, was held without bail after pleading not guilty to murder and other charges Thursday in connection with the death last Sunday night of 20-year-old Yaseen Butt in Revere.
Martinez is suspected of participating in the theft of two backpacks, one worth $800, from Butt and another person earlier in the day, prosecutors said.
The victims then gathered a group of friends and set out to find Martinez and retrieve the backpacks, prosecutors said.
They located Martinez with another group, and during the confrontation, Martinez and his group chased the victim to an area near the ice cream shop where they kicked and beat him when he fell to the ground, prosecutors said during the remote arraignment in Chelsea District Court.
During the assault, Martinez shot Butt, prosecutors said.
Martinez fled but was identified as the suspect through security camera video, social media, witness statements, and ballistic evidence. An email seeking comment was left with Martinez’s attorney.
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