Trial begins for Fall River and New Bedford men accused of murdering Taunton man

A trial started Wednesday in Fall River Superior Court for two men accused of murder.

Then 19-year-old Jerome Middleton of Fall River and then 24-year-old Khaylon Cruz of New Bedford were arrested on Murder and Armed Robbery charges.

The victim, identified as 31-year-old Justin Paulo of Taunton, was stabbed at approximately 11:15 p.m. on January 5, 2019, and died of those injuries on January 6, 2019, at Rhode Island Hospital. It also appears that a firearm was used during the incident by the suspects. During the commission of the crime, the victim’s personal property was allegedly stolen by the suspects.

The Taunton Police Department received a 911 call for an assault at 9A Wilson Street in the City of Taunton. When police arrived, they determined that Paulo was no longer on scene and had been transported to Morton Hospital and then med-flighted to Rhode Island Hospital due to his injuries.

Dates for the trial have been scheduled until October 31st.