A Tragic Turn of Events: Three Men Arraigned in Murder Case

WORCESTER—The early morning hours of December 16, 2024, brought an unsettling tragedy to Worcester. On that cold winter’s night, a man’s life was violently cut short, and three men are now facing charges connected to his death.

Around 2:30 a.m., police received a call reporting gunshots near 59 Dorchester Street. Officers rushed to the scene, where they found a 28-year-old man lying unconscious in a parked truck. Multiple gunshots had taken his life. Paramedics quickly transported him to the hospital, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead. The victim’s identity, however, remains unknown to the public.

Investigators acted swiftly, piecing together evidence from cellphone records, video footage, and other sources. Their diligent work soon led them to three suspects: Dylan Driscoll, 19, Adrian Rodriguez, 33, and Darius Perkins, 20. Their connection to the crime became clear, and within days, they were taken into custody. On December 21, Rodriguez and Perkins were arrested in Fitchburg while Driscoll was apprehended in Hardyston Township, New Jersey.

As the investigation continued, prosecutors gathered enough evidence to upgrade the charges against the suspects to murder. On Friday morning, all three men were arraigned in Worcester Central District Court, where the gravity of their charges became clearer. Driscoll, Rodriguez, and Perkins now face not only the original charges of armed assault with intent to murder but also the more serious charge of murder. Each was ordered to be held without bail, and their next court appearance is set for February 6 for a probable cause hearing.

During the arraignment, Assistant District Attorney Lina Pashou outlined the evidence that linked the suspects to the crime. The role of video surveillance and cellphone data in tracking down the suspects was highlighted, proving crucial to identifying the men involved.

The courtroom, filled with tension, saw the defense attorneys enter not-guilty pleas on behalf of their clients. Blake J. Rubin, Kevin C. Larson, and Andrew J. Couture are representing Rodriguez, Perkins, and Driscoll, respectively. The proceedings are still in the early stages, and with police records impounded, much of the investigation remains under wraps.

As the case continues to unfold, the community is left grappling with the tragic loss of life and the complex web of events that led to this heartbreaking moment. The victim’s name has yet to be released, but one thing is clear—this was not just another crime. It is a stark reminder of the violence that can lurk in our streets and a chilling chapter in Worcester’s history.

Stay tuned for updates as the legal process moves forward.

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