Fall River teen arrested in fatal stabbing

The Bristol County District Attorney has announced an arrest in the murder of William Wheeler of Fall River.

A 16-year-old Fall River juvenile male was arrested this evening in West Warwick, RI in connection to the overnight homicide in Fall River, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

The juvenile is being charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of William Wheeler, 17, of Fall River.

The defendant was taken into custody this evening by members of the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force, US Marshals, Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the district attorney’s office.

Due to the defendant’s juvenile status, his name will not be released at this time according to the DA.

District Attorney Quinn would like to thank and commend the various agencies from multiple states who assisted in quickly locating and apprehending the suspect without incident.

Fall River Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the district attorney’s office and Homicide Unit prosecutors continue to investigate the homicide.

At around 11:55 p.m. last night, Fall River Police responded to a 911 call regarding a young male being stabbed during an altercation at 96 Fountain Street. When first responders arrived on scene, they found Mr. Wheeler lying on the floor of the apartment suffering from an apparent stab wound. The victim was rushed to St. Anne’s Hospital where he was declared deceased at 12:42 a.m. this morning.