DA: South End Teen Was Killed Because Of His Address

Eighteen-year-old Alex Sierra was shot and killed Saturday night in the South End simply because of his address, District Attorney Daniel Conley said on Tuesday.

“Once again, an innocent child has been gunned down amid the madness of a gang feud he had no part in,” Conley said. “Alex Sierra had no criminal record, he had never been arrested, he had no gang affiliation, and neither he nor his family did anything to deserve this fate.”

At an arraignment for the 17-year-old man suspected of killing Sierra outside , Assistant District Attorney Amy Galatis said investigators believe the motive for the crime stems from a longstanding rivalry between gangs affiliated with Mission Hill and Villa Victoria, where Sierra lived.

Although Sierra was not a gang member, Galatis said, his affiliation with the South End housing development contributed to his death. According to Galatis, Ricardo Arias, 17, and a 16-year-old male were walking near Tremont and West Brookline streets on Saturday “asking passersby if they were from the Villa.” 

“[Alex] was the only person who answered yes,” Galatis said. 

In response, Arias pulled out a handgun and fired repeatedly at Sierra, prosecutors said. He collapsed inside the barbershop and later died of his injuries.

Police apprehended Arias and the 16-year-old suspect after a foot chase in the area surrounding Annunciation Road. A gun was recovered during the chase and found to be a ballistic match to the shell casings recovered from the scene, Galatis said. Both suspects were wearing clothing that matched witness descriptions, she added.

At the time of the shooting, Arias was in the custody of the Department of Youth Services, and had obtained a one-day pass allowing him to attend a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park, Galatis said. He was found in unlawful possession of a handgun in December of 2010, which led to his commitment to DYS.

Arias pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and unlawful possession of a firearm at his arraignment on Tuesday and was ordered held without bail. He is due back in court on Oct. 4.

The 16-year-old suspect pleaded not guilty in juvenile court to charges of accessory to murder and unlawful possession and was ordered held on $250,000 cash bail.

On Tuesday, mourners continued to gather at a makeshift memorial near where Sierra was killed, and a facebook page dedicated to his memory was filled with messages and photos.

"Whether you were close friends with people or met them once or twice, you always made a great impression on them. I will never forget all of the great memories we have together," one friend wrote.