Suspect identified in New Bedford double murder

The Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section today added New Bedford double homicide suspect CARMELO KERCADO JR. to its Most Wanted list.

KERCADO, 35, is wanted for the Oct. 10 fatal shootings of two men in a vehicle on Central Avenue in New Bedford. Evidence suggests KERCADO was in the vehicle with the victims when he shot them. After the shooting the vehicle crashed and he fled on foot.

KERCADO is black, 5’9” tall, approximately 230 lbs., with black hair and, when last seen, a thick black beard. He has a tattoo of a panther on his back and the word “Jaysayah” on his left forearm. He frequently wears eyeglasses. KERCADO has gone by the aliases “Melo,” David Brown, and Carmelo Mello.

KERCADO is known to carry a firearm and may also have access to rifles, and should be considered armed and dangerous. He has an extensive, violent criminal history that includes prior convictions for weapons and assault offenses. In addition to the current murder charges, he is also wanted on an unrelated warrant for possession of a Class B narcotic. He has ties to New Bedford, Randolph, and Boston.

Anyone who sees KERCADO, or who has knowledge of his whereabouts, should immediately call the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section at 1-800-KAPTURE (1-800-527-8873), or call 911.

The investigation and prosecution of the double homicide are under the direction of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.