Chelsea Man Arraigned in Connection with Fatal Shooting in Everett

EVERETT – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Everett Chief of Police Steven Mazzie have announced that Michael Stanton Jr., 19 of Chelsea, was arraigned today in Malden District Court on the charge of murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Craig McDonald Jr., 20 of Randolph, that occurred last Friday.

Judge Jane Prince ordered the defendant to be held without bail. The next date in this case is November 10, 2021.

On October 22, 2021, at approximately 7:57 PM, Everett Police responded to a 911 call reporting shots being fired in the area of Revere Street and Second Street. Minutes later, Everett Police were notified that Craig McDonald Jr. had been taken to the CHA Everett Hospital Emergency Department suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Mr. McDonald was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Preliminary investigation suggests that on the night of the shooting, Craig McDonald was allegedly seated in a parked car with two friends when a man reportedly approached the driver’s side window and fired a gun at McDonald, striking him. After numerous witness interviews, extensive review of surveillance video, and a review of phone records, investigators identified Michael Stanton Jr. as the shooter.

Last night, the defendant arrived at the Everett Police Department and was placed under arrest without incident. These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The prosecutors assigned to this case are Assistant District Attorneys Carrie Spiros and Caitlin Gemmill.

This investigation is being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, and the Everett Police Department.