Massachusetts State Police make arrests in connection to fatal shooting that killed 20-year-old in BJ’s parking lot

On Thursday, the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office arrested a suspect wanted in connection with the fatal shooting in the BJ’s parking lot on Providence Highway in Dedham on June 25, 2025.

According to a release by the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office, “in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, first responders treated 20-year-old victim, Jaylani Cole, and facilitated his medical transport to Faulkner Hospital. Despite best efforts, Cole succumbed to his injuries. A second 20-year-old victim was also transported to Faulkner Hospital and later Brigham and Women’s Hospital with a gunshot wound. He is expected to survive.

“Massachusetts State Police and Dedham Police began a comprehensive investigation to determine the facts of the incident. They secured the crime scene for forensic analysis, spoke with witnesses, and gathered material evidence including videos from the adjacent businesses. The investigation revealed that the shooting occurred during a car meet-up coordinated via social media. Investigators subsequently identified a suspect and obtained an arrest warrant on August 22, 2025.

“Investigators requested support from members of the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS) who investigated the suspect’s whereabouts and identified a residence in Malden. On Thursday morning, Troopers and Malden Police Officers apprehended the suspect without incident. Police subsequently executed the search warrant at the Malden residence which resulted in the seizure of evidence. Troopers assigned to VFAS, the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office’s State Police Detective Unit, the Troop A Community Action Team, the K-9 Unit, Crime Scene Services Section, Special Operations Tactical Team (STOP), and the Firearms Identification Unit contributed to the apprehension of this defendant.

“The suspect, identified as James Brown, 23, of Malden was transported to Dedham District Court where he was arraigned on lesser charges including Armed Assault with Intent to Murder. He was subsequently indicted by a Norfolk County Grand Jury and is scheduled to be arraigned in Norfolk Superior Court on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, on charges of Murder, Armed Assault with Intent to Murder, Assault and Battery with a Firearm, and Carrying a Firearm Without a License.

“Also indicted on the same charges was Franci Villar, 23, of Dorchester, who was arrested July 20th and previously arraigned in Dedham District Court. He is scheduled for arraignment in Norfolk Superior Court on Thursday, October 2, 2025. Both defendants are being held without bail.

“A third person, Ivelisse D. Santiago, 24, of East Boston, pleaded not guilty Monday in Norfolk Superior Court to a two-count indictment charging her with Being an Accessory After the Fact and Carrying a Firearm Without a License. She is free on $25,000 cash bail.

“The Norfolk District Attorney’s Office, Dedham Police and the Massachusetts State Police renew their condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones. Investigators urge anyone with information regarding this case or any homicide to call State Police at the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office at 781-830-4990.”