Arrests Made in Taunton's First Homicide Since 2016

Two arrests have been made in Taunton, Massachusetts' first homicide since 2016, according to authorities.

Jerome Middleton, 19, of Fall River, and Khaylon Cruz, 24, of New Bedford, were both arrested on charges of murder and armed robbery after they allegedly stabbed Taunton resident Justin Paulo on Wilson Street Saturday night, according to the Bristol district attorney's office.

The 31-year-old victim died from his injuries at Rhode Island Hospital on Sunday.

Middleton was arrested in Brockton, while Cruz was placed into police custody at the Dartmouth Inn in New Bedford. Both were arrested on Tuesday morning.

Investigators say it appears a gun was used during the robbery by the suspects.

Cruz will be arraigned at Taunton District Court on Tuesday afternoon, while Middleton will be arraigned sometime Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning. It's unclear if either of the suspects have attorneys.

Paulo's death was the second shooting in the city on Saturday.

Police said another man was shot at about 7 p.m. and brought himself to Morton Hospital for treatment. He is expected to survive. His name was not released.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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