For Immediate Release August 4, 2008                                   
Contact: Corey Welford/Jessica Venezia 781-897-8325

Malden Man Indicted In Connection With June Everett Homicide

WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today that an Everett man has been indicted on a charge of first degree murder in connection with the June stabbing death of Elisha Adams, 20, of Maryland.

Shadrach Omard, 20, of Malden, was indicted today by a Middlesex County Grand Jury on one count of first degree murder. An arraignment date has yet to be scheduled.

“We allege that the victim and defendant got into a verbal altercation, and that altercation turned violent when the defendant chose to take out a knife and stab Elisha Adams,” District Attorney Leone said. “Through this indictment, we have upgraded the charge to murder, and we will now move forward with our prosecution of this case on behalf of the victim’s family and the Commonwealth.”

According to authorities, on June 12 at approximately12:27 a.m., Everett Police responded to a Store 24 on Ferry Street for a report of a fight inside the store. When officers arrived, they discovered the victim, Adams, suffering from an apparent stab wound.

Adams was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital to be treated for his injuries.

Everett Police along with Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office commenced an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Based on that investigation, including interviews with multiple witnesses, it is alleged that Omard and Adams became engaged in a verbal altercation and that Omard then stabbed Adams.

Omard was taken into custody after 5:45 p.m. on June 12. He was ultimately charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury. He was arraigned June 13 in Malden District Court where he was ordered held on $250,000 cash bail by Malden District Court Judge Lee Johnson.

Adams was pronounced dead on June 14.       
         
These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant District Attorney John Verner. The case is being investigated by Everett Police and the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

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