A Worcester man has been convicted of first-degree murder in the 2021 fatal shooting of two brothers outside the former Diamond Inn on Grafton Street, according to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.
A Worcester Superior Court jury on Thursday found Christopher Burns guilty in the deaths of 27-year-old Marcus A. Thibodeau and 35-year-old James M. Johnson.
The brothers were shot and killed on Dec. 8, 2021, outside the former hotel. According to prosecutors, evidence presented during the trial showed the victims were targeted in a case of mistaken identity and had no prior interaction or connection with Burns.
Burns was arrested and arraigned in Worcester District Court on April 13, 2022, where he was held without bail. A Worcester County grand jury later indicted him on Sept. 29, 2022.
In a statement released following the verdict, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. credited investigators and prosecutors for their work on the case.
“This verdict is the result of years of dedicated work by the investigators and prosecutors committed to seeking justice for the victims and their family,” Early said in the announcement. “I want to thank the Worcester Police Department and Assistant District Attorneys Timothy Westerman and Michael Travers, as well as Victim Witness Advocate Maria Deyette for their tireless efforts in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”
A sentencing date has not yet been announced.
