UPDATE Nov. 3: Kevin Rodriguez, 18, who was wanted by authorities in connection with a fatal shooting last week at Worcester State University, signed a waiver of extradition Thursday in a New York City courtroom, according to the Worcester County District Attorney’s office.
Rodriguez was captured in New York on Thursday morning on a warrant.
He was wanted on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and armed assault with intent to murder. Rodriguez was arrested without incident.
Law enforcement officials will transport him back to Massachusetts where it is expected he will be arraigned next week in Worcester District Court.
Rodriguez was wanted on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and armed assault with intent to murder in connection with the fatal shooting at Worcester State University on Oct. 28.
Worcester Police, Worcester State University Police, Massachusetts State Police, the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office all worked in collaboration to locate and apprehend Rodriguez.
The investigation into the shootings at Worcester State University is ongoing.
UPDATE 4:15 p.m. Oct 29: Authorities are searching for a man wanted on charges in connection with fatal shooting at Worcester State University that occurred Saturday morning, leaving a 19-year-old man dead and a 21-year-old man with non life-threatening injuries.
Authorities are searching for 18-year-old Kevin Rodriguez, wanted on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and armed assault with intent to murder in connection with the fatal weekend shooting.
Rodriguez last lived in Lawrence, MA, and should be considered armed and dangerous. Police are asking the public to call 911 immediately if there are any sightings.
Their identities are not being released at this time. Neither the victims nor the assailants were students of the university.
Richard Neives, 18, from Southbridge, was arrested at the scene of the shooting, a Worcester police spokesperson told the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. The Telegram reports that it’s unclear whether Neives is connected to the shooting at Worcester State.
Worcester Police, Worcester State University Police, Massachusetts State Police and Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office continue to investigate.
Anyone with information relative to the whereabouts of Kevin Rodriguez should contact Massachusetts State Police Detectives at 508-453-7589 or Massachusetts State Police Fugitive Apprehension Section at 1-800-KAPTURE (1 800-527-8873).
UPDATE 11:49 a.m. Oct. 28: One victim has died and another rushed into surgery following an early morning shooting on the campus of Worcester State University, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early, Jr.
WORCESTER – Authorities continue to investigate a shooting that took place on the campus of Worcester State University around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Investigators have identified two shooting victims, according to a press release issued by Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early.
Massachusetts State Police originally said a suspect was in custody, according to NBC News Boston, but have since clarified that the investigation is still active.
A shelter in place was originally instituted, but has since been lifted as Massachusetts State Police, Worcester police and Worcester State police continue to investigate and search the scene.
Neither the victims or suspected assailants are students of the university, said the release.
Anyone with information, photos or video around the areas of Wasylean Hall and Sheehan Hall on the Worcester State University’s campus are asked to share it with Massachusetts State Police, University Police, and Worcester police.
The university canceled homecoming, family weekend and all events that had been scheduled throughout the weekend.
The public is asked to avoid the area.
“Last night’s tragic incident at Worcester State University has deeply saddened and concerned us all,” said Mayor Joseph Petty in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.”
Petty said he has been in constant contact with Worcester PD’s Paul Saucier and assures the entire Worcester State university community and surrounding neighborhood that the “city is fully committed to supporting you and your needs as we learn more about last night’s incident. Safety remains our utmost priority, and we will do everything in our power to provide a safe environment for all our residents.”
The Worcester Guardian will update this story as information becomes available.
