Murder near Union Square

A Cambridge man who was arrested early this morning in connection with the investigation into a homicide in Somerville was arraigned yesterday.  Valentino Facey, age 21, was charged with armed robbery, and being an armed career criminal in possession of a firearm.

    At approximately 1:07 a.m. Wedneesday morning, Somerville Police responded to a report of gunshots fired on Merriam Street in Somerville.  Upon arrival at the scene, police found the victim, Bernard Johnson, age 22, of Worcester, in a parking lot near 32 Merriam Street, evidencing gunshot wounds.  He was transported by ambulance to Cambridge Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.  Somerville Police contacted State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney‚Äôs Office, and together they commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

    According to authorities, the victim and his girlfriend were at a small gathering at an apartment on Merriam Street prior to the shooting.  When the victim and his girlfriend left the gathering, they were confronted by an individual, later identified as Valentino Facey. Facey had been at the gathering earlier in the evening.  Authorities believe that Facey and Johnson became involved in a physical altercation, during the course of which Facey allegedly stole a gold chain from Johnson at gunpoint.  Moments later, several other men appeared on the scene, and one of them allegedly shot Johnson several times.   All four men then fled the scene.  Facey was located and apprehended by police a short time later.  The alleged shooter remains at large.

    Facey was arraigned Wednesday afternoon in Somerville District Court before Judge Maurice Flynn.  He pled not guilty and was ordered held on $50,000 bail.  He is due back in court Sept. 21 for a probable cause hearing.  Assistant District Attorney Melinda Thompson represented the Commonwealth at the afternoon‚Äôs arraignment.

    Somerville and State Police continue to investigate the shooting.  Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Somerville Police at (617) 625-1600, or the State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney‚Äôs Office at (617) 679-6600.