UPDATE: A fourth suspect arrested in ‘vicious’ beating of disabled man, fifth suspect sought
A Boston man turned himself in to MBTA transit police detectives in Dorchester today for allegedly pummeling a disabled man at Downtown Crossing station earlier this week, bringing the total number of arrests up to four.
One suspect, however, is still at large.
Germial Johnson, 28, who was described as a “homeless” Boston resident is the fourth suspect in custody, but police are hoping to track down Ivan Bacai, 23, of Malden, who they also suspect to be connected to the attack.
Maryanne Hamilton, the third suspect arrested in connection with what officials are calling an “inexplicable beating” of a 40-year-old man suffering from a schizoaffective disorder, was arraigned today, and held on a total of $4,500 cash bail.
She was also ordered to stay away from the victim and MBTA property.
Two other suspects accused of beating the man at Downtown Crossing station Monday were arraigned in Boston Municipal Court yesterday.
Karen Akiba, 22, of Cambridge, and Bryon Lashus, 32 of Watertown, and Hamilton, 29, of Jamaica Plain, were all arraigned on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon – in this case a shod food – and assault and battery on a disabled person after allegedly attacking the 40-year-old man around 12:37 a.m.
Transit Police arrested Hamilton yesterday, after they found her lingering in the courthouse after the other two suspects were arraigned.
“Hamilton was observed by Transit Police detectives in the hallway at Boston Municipal Court after her two co-defendants, Bryon Lashus and Karen Akiba, were arraigned for the assault,” transit police said in a statement yesterday.
Boston Municipal Court Judge Patricia Bernstein imposed $2,000 cash bail
for Akiba; she did not impose bail for Lashus after his attorney said
he was assisting in the investigation, but she did order him to stay
away from and have no contact with the victim or any witnesses.
According to transit police, the disabled victim was repeatedly punched and kicked.
When officers arrived at the Orange Line stop at Downtown Crossing, they found the victim bleeding, with his shirt ripped off, and missing a sneaker.
He also had several cuts, scrapes and severe bruising as a result of the alleged attack. The victim also suffered from bruising and swelling on his face and upper body.
The victim told police he couldn’t remember what happened, but said he had been “jumped” after having a dispute with an woman.
Police said there seemed to be no motive for the attack.
“There is no logical reason why the victim in this case was assaulted. The quick apprehension of the suspects is another example of the excellent work of our detectives,” said Transit Police Superintendent-in Chief Joseph O’Connor in a statement.
The victim was taken to Tufts Medical Center for his injuries, police said.
