Nov. 23, 2015
For Immediate Release
Contact: Paul Jarvey
508-368-7241
UXBRIDGE – Two Milford men have been charged with murder in Friday’s shooting death of Kevin Gonsalves in Blackstone, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
William Hodges, 34, and Brendan Bates, 25, both of 30 Birmingham Court, Milford, were ordered held without bail after being arraigned this afternoon in Uxbridge District Court on charges of murder and misleading a police investigation. Not guilty pleas were entered in behalf of both men. Judge Gerald Lemire continued Mr. Bates’ case to Jan. 5 and Mr. Hodges’ case to Jan. 6.
Mr. Gonsalves, 33, of Milford, was shot multiple times around 7:30 p.m., Friday, in the driveway of 139 Mendon St., Blackstone.
Mr. Hodges and Mr. Bates drove Mr. Gonsalves to that address under the guise of robbing a drug dealer, according to Mr. Early. Mr. Hodges and Mr. Gonsalves got out of the car, and Mr. Hodges shot him in the head and chest.
The shooting was over a dispute Mr. Hodges had with Mr Gonsalves.
Blackstone Police and Fire responded to the scene after receiving a 911 call reporting the sound of gunshots. Mr. Gonsalves was determined to be dead at the scene.
Mr. Hodges and Mr. Bates were arrested on Sunday.
The handgun believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered today by the State Police Dive Team.
“These arrests are the result of hard work and an around-the clock investigation involving multiple agencies, including the State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, Blackstone Police, Milford Police and Quincy Police as well as State Police Crime Scene Services, the State Police Dive Team and personnel from the State Police Crime Lab,” Mr. Early said.