NEW BEDFORD, MASS. (WHDH) - Two people were arrested in connection with the stabbing death of a 15-year-old boy in New Bedford Wednesday evening.
The victim and two others were stabbed just before 6:30 p.m. in the area of Middle and Chancery streets. Officers said there was a large fight at the Temple Landing housing projects.
Police said 15-year-old Mateo Morales, of New Bedford, tried running home but collapsed and died. A 16-year-old boy was treated and released from the hospital; a 22-year-old was also stabbed and was taken to the hospital, where he is expected to be OK.
Luis Rafael Class, 21 of New Bedford, was charged overnight with accessory to murder after the fact, and assault and battery. A 16-year-old boy has also been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Police said both suspects are known to them and are members of a gang from a different housing project.
“I’m heartbroken,” said Mateo’s neighbor, Frances Curley-Pugh. “This is a baby. I got a 15-year-old grandbaby that went to school with this kid.”
Police said more arrests are possible and the charges could be upgraded to murder.
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