David Yarde, 23, of Dorchester has been convicted of second-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of 22-year-old DeAndre Russ.
In the early hours of Oct. 28, 2012, Russ and Yarde exchanged words during an after-hours party at the victim’s residence of 1050 Tremont St., District Attorney Julie Higgins said.
Shortly afterward, the two took the confrontation outside, where Yarde took out a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and fired at Russ six times. According to prosecutors, surveillance footage captured Yarde fleeing the scene.
Meanwhile, the gunfire activated the city’s ShotSpotter system. On arrival, police found Russ with gunshot wounds to his forehead and his legs. He was taken to Boston Medical Center, where he died of his injuries.
Yarde, who was also found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm, faces a mandatory term of life in prison at his sentencing on Aug. 22, 2014.
A press release from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office below.
Guilty Verdict in 2012 Murder on Tremont Street
(BOSTON) — A Dorchester man has been found guilty of murder for gunning down 22-year-old DeAndre Russ in a dispute outside an after-hours party on Tremont Street two years ago, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.
A Suffolk Superior Court jury late today convicted DAVID YARDE (D.O.B. 9/16/90) of second-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with Russ’ fatal shooting. Yarde faces a mandatory term of life in prison when he is sentenced on Aug. 22.
Assistant District Attorney Julie Higgins of the DA’s Homicide Unit presented evidence and testimony to prove that in the early morning hours of Oct. 28, 2012, Yarde arrived at an after-hours party at 1050 Tremont St. where Russ was staying at that time. The two exchanged words at the party and, within an hour of Yarde’s arrival, surveillance images captured both men exiting the building.
The confrontation continued on Tremont Street where, the evidence showed, Yarde pulled out a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and fired six shots, striking Russ once in the forehead, as well as in the calf and thigh. Surveillance images then showed Yarde running from the scene with a firearm in his hand after the shooting, Higgins proved.
The gunfire activated the city’s ShotSpotter system and prompted an immediate response from Boston Police, who arrived to find Russ collapsed on the ground. He was transported to Boston Medical Center, where he died of his injuries.
Though multiple witnesses were present at the scene, none identified Yarde as the gunman.
Assistant District Attorney Zachary Hillman of the DA’s Appellate Division second-seated Higgins. Jennifer Sears was the DA’s assigned victim-witness advocate.
Also today, the defendant in another Suffolk County homicide pleaded guilty rather than face trial. MARQUES KERSEY (D.O.B. 2/10/90) pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the Jan. 16, 2009, shooting death of Torey Evans, 16, on Dorchester Avenue. Evans was slain by a gunman who fired from a black, late-model Dodge Charger that sped away from the scene. When he was arrested in Quincy three days after the shooting, he was driving a rented vehicle matching that description. A search of the vehicle turned up a shell casing consistent with casings found at the crime scene. Judge Linda Giles sentenced him to 15 years in state prison.
Assistant District Attorney David Fredette prosecuted Kersey’s case. Katherine Moran was the DA’s assigned victim-witness advocate.
