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Man Charged in July 4 Killing of Cambridge Public Works Worker

Prosecutors say evidence ties the suspect and a white pickup to the scene, and the arrest has intensified scrutiny of the city’s decision to end ShotSpotter

Overview

  • Rayquon Brown, 29, was arrested Monday and charged with murder, illegal gun possession, being an armed career criminal, and conspiracy in the death of 32-year-old Xavier Bautista.
  • Investigators say Bautista was confronted by multiple masked men early on July 4 and was later found dead from two gunshot wounds near Norfolk Street and Broadway.
  • Authorities connected Brown to a white Dodge Ram seen leaving the scene through witness interviews and surveillance video and say he acted as a lookout while holding an object that appeared to be a firearm.
  • Brown was arraigned and ordered held without bail with a return date set for July 17, and prosecutors say the motive and any other suspects remain under active investigation.
  • The killing has renewed debate over Cambridge’s May vote to end the ShotSpotter gunfire-detection system, police unions say the tool might have sped a response, and city officials have increased patrols and met with residents to address safety concerns.