New Bedford Man Charged With Murder of Lorenzo Gomes

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A New Bedford man has been arrested and charged with the murder of Lorenzo Gomes in the city’s Near North End earlier this week.

Xavier Luis Rodriguez, 20, was apprehended last night after an arrest warrant was issued earlier in the day, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. Rodriguez is the third person charged in connection with the killing of Gomes, 20, on July 3.

Rodriguez is charged with murder and carrying an illegal firearm. He will be arraigned this morning in New Bedford District Court.

Monday evening, Sterling Robinson, 24, of New Bedford was arrested in connection with Gomes' homicide in Fall River and charged with accessory to murder after the fact. Thursday morning, Wyllie Monteiro, 25, of New Bedford was arrested in Dartmouth and charged with the same.

Both Robinson and Monteiro are being held without bail after their bail was revoked on open criminal cases.

At around 12:11 am Monday, New Bedford Police received a 911 call regarding shots fired in the area of Tallman and North Front streets. Gomes was found in his vehicle on Belleville Avenue.

It is believed Gomes lost consciousness while attempting to drive himself to the hospital, the D.A.’s Office said. He was pronounced dead after being taken by EMS to St. Luke’s Hospital.