In a tragic incident that occurred after a football game in Everett in 2021, Michael Stanton was found guilty of murdering 20-year-old Craig McDonald Jr. of Randolph. The conflict between the two men began on social media, with Stanton using an illegally obtained gun to fatally shoot McDonald Jr. Prosecutors revealed that McDonald Jr.’s girlfriend had disrespected Stanton’s best friend online, leading to the altercation. Stanton and his friends, known as the “Villa Ave” group, followed and eventually shot McDonald Jr. in his car after halftime. Despite efforts to save his life, McDonald Jr. passed away later that night.
District Attorney Marian Ryan expressed concern over the trend of young individuals illegally possessing firearms and using them for violence. Stanton, who was 19 at the time of the shooting, was sentenced to 19 years in prison by Judge Laurence Pierce with the possibility of parole. This case highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for violent acts, as stated by Ryan. Representation for Stanton did not immediately respond to requests for comments. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of gun violence and the need to address such issues in communities.
Source
Photo credit www.boston.com