New Bedford Man Sentenced to Up to Life for Murder of His Son-in-Law

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — A New Bedford man has been sentenced to up to life in prison after pleading guilty to the 2021 murder of his son-in-law.

According to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III, Alphanso Richards, 62, was sentenced to 19 and half years to life in state prison after pleading guilty to the second degree murder of Naurik Michel-Brown.

He was also given a concurrent sentence of eight to 10 years for the attempted assault and battery with a firearm of his daughter, Tiamara Michel-Brown.

On August 9, 2021, the Michel-Browns and their three children drove to Car Tunes on Ashley Boulevard in New Bedford to check on a vehicle. Naurik Michel-Brown was outside and approached by Richards.

Tiamara Michel-Brown said she noticed her father approach her husband with his arm extended. She then heard gunshots and saw her husband fall to the ground. She fled to a nearby gas station to call 911 and heard additional gunshots fired in her direction.

The murder and shooting occurred during the day in broad daylight and was caught on surveillance video.

Following the shootings, Richards fled Massachusetts and was located on October 10, 2021 by Virginia state troopers while traveling south on Route 95 in Virginia.

Troopers searched Richards’ vehicle and located his registered loaded firearm under the driver’s seat, which turned out to be the murder weapon.

“This is another senseless act of violence committed in broad daylight with total disregard for the safety of the victims and the public that have left three children without a father and impacted the family forever,” District Attorney Quinn said.