42-year-old man sentenced to prison for murder of Massachusetts brothers

Yesterday, a Worcester man was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the eligibility of parole for the 2021 murder of two Worcester brothers, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.

Christopher Burns, 42, was convicted by a Worcester Superior Court jury on June 9th of two counts of first-degree murder.

The convictions stem from the December 8, 2021, fatal shootings of 27-year-old Marcus A. Thibodeau and 35-year-old James M. Johnson. Thibodeau and Johnson were shot outside of the former Diamond Inn on Grafton Street in Worcester.

“While nothing can undo the pain suffered by Marcus and James’ loved ones, I hope today’s sentence provides them with a measure of justice,” said Early. “I want to thank the Worcester Police Department, Assistant District Attorneys Timothy Westerman and Michael Travers, and Victim Witness Advocate Maria Deyette for their professionalism and dedication throughout this case.”

According to The Worcester Telegram, authorities alleged that Burns shot the men after he mistook Johnson for a foe of an associate.