Crime
19-year-old pleads not guilty, held without bail in Fall River Superior Court, in connection with shooting that killed New Bedford’s Cristiano Macedo, injured 2 others
A Bristol County man pled not guilty in Fall River Superior Court Tuesday morning concerning the fatal shooting of Cristiano Macedo at the Morna Lounge and Grill in New Bedford on January 11th.
19-year-old Danielson Varela of New Bedford was held without bail after being indicted in March on Murder, Firearm Violation with 2 Prior Violent/Drug Crimes, and two counts of Assault and Battery with a Firearm.
According to Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Sowa, at just after 1:15 a.m., New Bedford Police responded to the Morna Lounge and Grill located at 1621 Acushnet Avenue for a report of a shooting inside of the business.
Police identified three gunshot victims, two females and one male. All were taken to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford. The two female victims, who were identified as being in their twenties, underwent treatment for their injuries. The male victim, identified as 27-year-old Cristiano Macedo of New Bedford, was pronounced deceased shortly after his arrival at the hospital.
In February of 2024, Varela was charged in a Brock Avenue convenience store shooting. No injuries were reported; however, a vehicle sustained damage. Charges were dismissed.
Varela’s next scheduled court appearance is a pretrial conference in May.
