Victim in melee was shot

Teen charged in connection with case

By Mike Elfland and Gary V. Murray -  Telegram & Gazette

WORCESTER —  Reversing an earlier determination, police say the man who died in a melee at City Hall Wednesday suffered a fatal gunshot wound. In the hours after the man’s death, police said the man appeared to have suffered from a pre-existing medical condition.

Javier A. Santiago “died as the result of a single gunshot wound to the upper torso,” police said in a brief statement yesterday afternoon.

Sgt. Kerry F. Hazelhurst, a Police Department spokesman, did not return a phone call seeking additional comment on yesterday’s development.

Meantime, a Worcester teenager has been arraigned in connection with the case.

Javon Rodriguez, 17, of 20 Dana Ave., is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and misleading police. Police say he was one of several youths involved in a Wednesday altercation on Allen Court that spilled onto the plaza in front of nearby City Hall.

Mr. Santiago, 20, was pronounced dead Wednesday soon after a confrontation involving two groups of young men in front of City Hall. The fight occurred about 2 p.m.

At the time, police said at least one shot was fired but “the male was checked out for gunshot injuries but it appeared he was not struck by the gunfire.” He was taken to St. Vincent Hospital and later died from cardiac arrest or from complications from an asthma attack, authorities said at the time.

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Local Printer Pushes For Alimony Fix

Reform measure gains traction with leaders on Beacon Hill

By Matt Pilon | Worcester Business Journal Article

Marlborough business owner Stephen Hitner’s first marriage ended in divorce 12 years ago. Since that time, his court-ordered alimony payments have been so restrictive that he’s been forced to borrow from his second wife’s credit line to keep up.

In fact, the combined effects of alimony and the economic downturn have dealt a nearly fatal blow to his business, MetroWest Printing.

But Hitner, 63, isn’t taking the pain lying down. In fact, he’s been a prime mover over the last six years to reform the state’s alimony laws.

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