Two Men Arraigned in Jamaica Plain 7-Eleven Stabbing Death

This is an edited version of a press release from the Suffolk County District Attorney:

A Roslindale man and his Mission Hill associate were arraigned today for their roles in last October's stabbing death of 19-year-old Kenneth Soto, of Jamaica Plain, with the alleged principal remaining held without bail, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

The Suffolk County Grand Jury last month indicted 21-year-old Hector “Nemo” Soto, who is not related to the victim, for first-degree murder. Christian Rivera, 23, of Mission Hill for assault and battery and accessory to murder after-the-fact.

The indictments moved the cases from West Roxbury District Court to Suffolk Superior Court. At their arraignment there today, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Hickman recommended that Soto remain held without bail and that Rivera’s bail remain at $25,000. Clerk Magistrate Gary D. Wilson granted both requests.

Prosecutors claim that the victim, Kenneth Soto, and the defendants, Hector Soto and Christian Rivera, arrived with separate groups in separate vehicles at the parking lot of a 7-Eleven convenience store on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain prior to the early-morning altercation.

Prosecutors say Kenneth Soto, who had been out with friends, victim entered the store.

When Kenneth Soto exited the store, investigators believe, Hector Soto approached him and a physical altercation ensued. Hector Soto allegedly stabbed Kenneth Soto during that altercation. Hector Soto and his associates then left the scene in their vehicle, with Rivera knowingly assisting the stabber in the aftermath of the fatal attack, investigators say.

Kenneth Soto died at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Based on video surveillance pictures, witness statements, and forensic evidence, warrants were issued for both defendants, who were then arrested in early March.

The case will return to court May 15.

All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.