Massachusetts Man Charged with Double Murder
A man in Massachusetts is facing serious charges after allegedly killing two teenagers during a confrontation. Vitor Francisco Gomez, a 28-year-old carpenter, reportedly killed 20-year-old Pablo Enrique Rocha-da Silva and 19-year-old Eduardo Cardosa DaSilva at their Fall River home.
According to reports, the incident took place during an argument. Witnesses mentioned that earlier that evening, Gomez and Eduardo had participated in what was informally described as a boxing match near the home, which ended badly. Eduardo apparently knocked Gomez out, but he insisted on continuing, despite Eduardo’s refusal.
Later that night, Gomez found the pair in a car attempting to drive away. In a court hearing, prosecutor Dennis Collins stated that Gomez fired three shots into the driver’s side window where Pablo was seated.
Eduardo fled to the back of the house, only to be discovered later with a pitchfork embedded in his skull, according to the district attorney’s office. Following a confrontation with Pablo, it was reported that Gomez physically dragged him from the vehicle onto the sidewalk. Collins shared that Gomez first hit Pablo with a firearm before grabbing a stone from the driveway and assaulting him again.
Police apprehended Gomez a short distance away, where he was found covered in blood. A brief chase ensued, and officers eventually discovered a firearm and ammunition hidden in his bag.
Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan described the incident as “one of the most brutal and vile acts of violence” he had ever encountered.
In his defense, Gomez, speaking through a Brazilian-Portuguese interpreter, claimed he lost control during what he referred to as a “Fight Club”-style sparring session. He argued that he acted in self-defense, asserting that Pablo and Eduardo had malicious intentions and threatened his family.
Interestingly, Eduardo’s girlfriend disputed this, mentioning that the two had been friends who had spent time together just days before at a local park.
Acting Police Chief JT Hoar indicated that surveillance cameras in the area recorded several hours of footage, which is still being examined as part of the investigation.
Gomez pleaded not guilty to the murder charges. He is also facing counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and is currently being held without bail. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for July 14.
