For Immediate Release August 11, 2008                                   
Contact: Corey Welford/Jessica Venezia 781-897-8325

Medford Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter  

WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone’s office informed the public today that a Medford man has pleaded guilty for the homicide of James Bottiglio, 21, also of Medford. 

Gershon Douglas, 19, of Medford, pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter in Middlesex Superior Court before Judge Diane Kottmyer.  Judge Kottmyer sentenced Douglas to 15-18 years in state prison. 

“By pleading guilty, the defendant is admitting his responsibility and will be held accountable for killing James Bottiglio,” District Attorney Gerry Leone said.  “The defendant’s decision to elevate a simple dispute between two friends into a violent and fatal altercation is extremely tragic and senseless.  We continue to offer our thoughts and support to the family of James Bottiglio.”

According to authorities, at approximately 1:47 a.m. on January 21, 2007, Medford police responded to a 911 call at 24 Foster Court in Medford.  Upon arrival, police found the victim lying on the ground in a courtyard area after an apparent altercation inside the defendant’s mother’s apartment.  Bottiglio was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital and pronounced dead from multiple stab wounds at approximately 4:13 a.m.

After securing the scene where the victim was found, Medford police officers entered 24 Foster Court.  Upon entering the apartment, officers smelled a strong order of bleach and found Douglas in the apartment, despite a no-trespass order against him for the housing project.  Douglas was arrested on a trespassing charge at that time.  Police also observed spots of blood on Douglas’ jeans, sneaker and shirt. 

During the execution of a search warrant at 24 Foster Court, Police found a knife with bleach on it, blood in the kitchen, and located numerous other items with blood on them. 

Upon further investigation, it is alleged that Douglas and the victim had a verbal altercation that turned physical. 

On Monday, January 22, 2007, Douglas was arraigned on charges of trespassing as well as armed assault with intent to murder in connection with the stabbing of Bottiglio.  He was ordered to be held without bail.

Douglas was then arraigned on January 26, 2007 in Somerville District Court for first degree murder and was ordered held without bail. 

The Assistant District Attorney is John Verner and the victim witness advocate is Helena Clarke.

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