No Bail in Teen’s Fatal Stabbing
BOSTON, DATE, 2021— The man who fatally stabbed 17-year-old Javare Sommerville during the Caribbean Festival this summer was arraigned today on a charge of first-degree murder, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said.
OMARA SHEARS, 44, was arraigned this morning in Suffolk Superior Court in connection with Mr. Sommerville’s August 28, 2021, murder. At the request of Assistant District Attorney Julie Higgins of District Attorney Rollins’ Homicide Unit, Mr. Shears was ordered held without bail for the pendency of the case.
ADA Higgins told the court that Mr. Sommerville, who was born and raised in Boston, was standing in the area of Blue Hill Avenue and Columbia Road watching the ongoing Caribbean Festival at approximately 9:19 a.m. on the date of his murder. Surveillance video captured the victim and his assailant, later identified as Mr. Shears, near one another for only a brief period of time before Mr. Shears stabbed the victim in the neck. The two had no known connection to one another.
Mr. Sommerville grabbed his neck and stumbled, falling to the sidewalk. Members of the Boston Police Department who were assigned to the area of the festivities quickly came to his aide. Boston EMS personnel transported him to Boston Medical Center where, tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.
After the stabbing, Mr. Shears looked around and proceeded to Seaver Street. Surveillance video showed him with the knife in his hand. On Friday, December 10, 2021, he was located by members of the Boston Police Department Fugitive Unit and placed under arrest.
“As the mother of a 17-year-old, I can’t imagine the pain this family feels losing a child and loved one on the cusp of adulthood. Javare should have been preparing for prom and worrying about college applications or future employment and opportunities, not fearing that his life would be stolen by a stranger. He deserved an expectation of safety as he and thousands of others joyously gathered to celebrate Caribbean heritage,” District Attorney Rachael Rollins said. “My office is working with Javare’s family to ensure that they have access to the services and resources they may need. The holiday season can be especially difficult for survivors of homicide; we are here to support this grieving family and all survivors through this season and always.”
There are also resources available to those who have experienced trauma as the result of community violence. The Boston Public Health Commission’s Boston Neighborhood Trauma Team (NTT) provides access to support through its 24/7 hotline by calling 617-431-0125. The NTT offers immediate support services to those impacted by community violence, referrals for behavioral health services, community outreach and healing groups and a variety of other services.
Edith Ayuso is District Attorney Rollins’ assigned victim witness advocate. Mr. Shears is represented by Connor Barusch. He returns to court January 18, 2022.
All charged individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.