Lawrence Man Indicted for Fatal Shooting on University Campus

A Lawrence man faces indictment on a murder charge in connection with the tragic October shooting that claimed the life of a 19-year-old on the Worcester State University campus. This announcement came from Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.

Kevin Rodriguez, 18, received the indictment from a Worcester County Grand Jury last week. He is set for arraignment on Jan. 12, 2024, in Worcester Superior Court, facing charges including murder, possession of a loaded firearm not at home or work, and possession of a firearm not at home or work.

The incident unfolded when Worcester State University Police responded to a shooting around 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 28. Two men sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to nearby hospitals.

Tragically, 19-year-old Randy Armando Melendez Jr. of Southbridge succumbed to his injuries. The other victim, a 21-year-old man, survived but suffered paralysis from the waist down.

Authorities revealed that the shootings transpired during a confrontation between two visiting groups on the university premises. Notably, neither the victims nor the accused individuals were affiliated with the university.

Further details emerged linking Richard Nieves, 19, of Spencer, and Kenneth Doelter, 20, of Southbridge, to the incident. They are accused of robbing the 21-year-old man prior to the shooting. Both Nieves and Doelter face indictments on charges of armed robbery and aggravated kidnapping.

Nieves, implicated in shooting the surviving victim, faces additional charges, including armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, possession of a loaded firearm not at home or work, and possession of a firearm not at home or work.

Both accused individuals are scheduled for arraignment in Worcester Superior Court at a later date. Nieves, specifically charged with shooting the surviving victim, faces multiple severe accusations, highlighting the gravity of the incident.

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