January 25, 2016
Contact: Tim Connolly 508-368-7236
Or 508-688-5565
WORCESTER – A Worcester man was found guilty of 2nd degree murder in a 2011 killing on Rodney Street, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
A Worcester Superior Court jury also found Raphael J. Rivera, 26, guilty of possession of a firearm not at home or work and possession of ammunition without a FID card. The murder charge carries a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 15 years. The other two charges were indicted with career criminal enhancements. A bench trial on the enhancements is scheduled for March 2 by Judge Janet Kenton-Walker.
At about 3 a.m. on September 18, 2011, Mr. Rivera and four co-defendants engaged in an attempted house break on Rodney Street armed with a firearm to rob and/or assault Mr. Melendez, 34. The victim arrived home in his car on Rodney Street and disrupted the break. He was killed in his car.
The four co-defendants are being held without bail while awaiting their trials.