Fatal Stabbing Victim in Somerville Identified

SOMERVILLE – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Somerville Acting Chief of Police Charles Femino have confirmed the identity of last night's fatal stabbing victim as Jalel Brown-Cross, 33 of Boston.

On December 2, 2021, at approximately 10:38 p.m., Somerville Police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a stabbing on Munroe Street. Upon arrival, officers located Jalel Brown-Cross suffering from multiple stab wounds. EMS personnel subsequently pronounced him dead at the scene. Preliminary investigation suggests that Shakeel Bodden, 28 of Somerville, allegedly attacked Mr. Brown-Cross with a knife inside the residence. Bodden was transported to an area hospital to be treated for injuries sustained during the attack. Shakeel Bodden was subsequently arrested and charged with murder. The victim and the suspect were known to each other.

Today, Shakeel Bodden was arraigned in Somerville District Court. Judge Robert Murphy ordered the defendant held without bail and to undergo a competency evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital. The next court date in this case is December 22, 2021.

This investigation is being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney's Office and the Somerville Police Department.