Taunton man sentenced to prison in cookout shootout that killed one

A 22-year-old Taunton man who, in June of 2015, shot and killed Marques McCassie during a shootout with the victim at a Weir Street cookout, pleaded guilty this afternoon in Fall River Superior Court to four felony charges and was sentenced to serve up to 18-and-a-half-years in state prison.

According to Gregg Miliote of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, Lorenze DaVeiga pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter, unlawful possession of a firearm, and two counts of assault and battery by discharge of a firearm.

On the afternoon of June 27, 2015, the defendant arrived at a cookout being held at the home of the McCassie’s cousin. At some point after his entry into the yard, the defendant was accused of firing a shot at McCassie, striking him in the flank. Another shot struck McCassie’s second cousin in the knee. At that point, another of McCassie’s relatives wrestled the defendant to the ground. While on the ground, the defendant was able to fire another shot, which struck McCassie in the thigh.

Evidence also showed that McCassie was also armed with a gun and fired at the defendant, striking him at least four times. Despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds, the defendant was able to flee from the scene before seeking assistance from a bystander on Somerset Avenue. The defendant was then rushed to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, where he underwent a life-saving emergency surgery.

In the meantime, the victim was driven to Morton Hospital in Taunton, where he later died from the gunshot wounds.

The case was prosecuted by Co-First Assistant District Attorney Patrick Bomberg and Assistant District Attorney Keith Paquette. The 13-and-a-half-year to 18-and-a-half-year state prison term was imposed by Judge Renee Dupuis. Judge Dupuis also placed the defendant on probation for an additional two years, which will commence upon his release from prison.

“This was another senseless act of violence that continues to plague our communities,” Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III said. “There is no rational basis for this behavior, which ruins many lives.”