For Immediate Release June 30, 2008                                  
Contact: Corey Welford/Jessica Venezia 781-897-8325

Revere Man Arraigned In Connection with Cambridge Homicide

CAMBRIDGE – Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today that a Revere man has been arraigned on the charge of murder in the first degree in connection with the stabbing death of Steven Raftery, 42, of Cambridge.

James Foley, 39, was arraigned in Cambridge District Court this morning and was ordered held without bail by Cambridge District Court Judge Roanne Sragow.  Foley’s next court date is July 25, 2008.

According to authorities, on June 26, at approximately 10:49 p.m., Cambridge Police responded to 211 Elm Street in Cambridge due to reports of an apparent stabbing. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Steven Raftery, 42, of Cambridge. He was pronounced dead on the scene due to an apparent stab wound. An autopsy was completed on Sunday by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner who ruled the death a homicide caused by multiple stab wounds.

Cambridge Police and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the stabbing. Based on that investigation, it was alleged that Foley got into a brief altercation and then stabbed the unarmed victim.  Police then began an immediate search to determine where Foley was located.

Foley was discovered and arrested in Watertown on June 27, where he was placed under arrest. He was then transported to the Cambridge Police Department where he was charged with murder.

These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Assistant District Attorney assigned to the case is Elizabeth Keeley.  The Victim Witness Advocate is Helena Clarke.

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