CHELSEA, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A Chelsea man has been arraigned in the beating death of his roommate, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins.
44-year-old Bartolo Cruz Cosigua Gonzalez was charged with manslaughter Tuesday in the death of his 25-year-old roommate, Alexis Antonio Yanes-Majano.
Chelsea Police responded to a 911 call shortly after 11 a.m. Saturday reporting a man lying outside an apartment building on Pearl Street.
Police found Yanes-Majano lying on the ground. Officers said he was responsive, and made statements that someone had hit him. Yanes-Majano was transported to an Everett hospital with injuries including a ruptured spleen, and he died a short time later.
"During the course of the initial investigation, Chelsea Police located the victim’s apartment and encountered Gonzalez inside," Rollins' office said. "Blood was found in the victim’s bedroom, and the location was frozen pending the execution of a search warrant."
Assistant District Attorney Caitlin Grasso said Gonzalez initially provided member of law enforcement with multiple names and dates of birth in an attempt to shield his true identity.
As the investigation continued, detectives collected evidence including surveillance video footage, interviews, and additional evidence. On Monday, Suffolk prosecutors approved a warrant for Gonzalez’ arrest. He turned himself in to Chelsea Police that day and was arraigned early Tuesday afternoon.
Gonzalez is being held on $100,000 bail. If he is released, Gonzalez must remain under home confinement, wear a GPS monitor and remain alcohol free. The case returns to court for a virtual hearing on January 5, 2021.
"If your living situation marked by violence, please know that there is help available," District Attorney Rollins said. "Whether you are roommates, relatives, or intimate partners, our Victim Witness Advocates can help direct you to trauma-informed service providers. We are in a holiday season different from any other due to COVID-19 and the economic turmoil it has wrought," Rollins added. "We want survivors and community members to know that my office and our partners in law enforcement are here to help. Call upon us if you are in need. The main number to the Suffolk County DA’s Office is 617.619.4000 and messages are checked every day that we are open for business."
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