Following a fatal shooting incident at the Brockton, Massachusetts’ Hibachi Sushi Supreme Buffet, authorities have arrested two individuals. The shooting resulted in the death of Joe Araujo, aged 22.
The shooting occurred on Friday, January 12, 2024, with police receiving the distress call shortly before 7:30 p.m.
Jamal Bazile, 18, and Nathan Veiga, 22, were arraigned four days later on January 16 in the Brockton District Court. Bazile pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, firearm possession, ammunition possession, and firearm discharge. Veiga also pleaded not guilty, facing charges of murder and being an accessory before the fact.
Restaurant surveillance footage showed suspect Bazile approaching Araujo and subsequently firing his weapon before fleeing the scene.
In response to the incident, a comprehensive investigation was launched by the Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police, which led to the arrests.
During a search at Veiga’s residence, officers identified a coat worn by the shooter, later identified as Bazile, during the incident. Consequently, Veiga was taken into custody by Brockton Police Department officers.
Officials reported that Bazile was apprehended on Monday evening at a residence in Hyannis, Massachusetts, after displaying aggressive behavior toward law enforcement personnel. The district attorney’s office added that Bazile was found in possession of a 9mm Smith and Wesson firearm with four rounds of ammunition.
During the court proceedings on Tuesday, it was revealed that Araujo was dining with his girlfriend at the Buffet when Veiga spotted him.
Authorities have mentioned that Araujo and Veiga were members of rival groups.
Investigators reported that Veiga exited the restaurant, returned to his vehicle, and spoke with the other occupants. Bazile then entered the restaurant and approached Araujo’s table, firing three shots and hitting the victim twice.
Bazile had been in court a month earlier on charges of illegal gun possession. The prosecution had requested a $10,000 cash bail, but the judge reduced it to $5,000. Bazile was able to post the bail and was released.
Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sprague mentioned at the arraignment on Tuesday, “He secures yet another weapon afterward and commits a homicide.”
Judge Michael Vitali ruled that both Bazile and Veiga are to be held without bail and are due to reappear in court for a probable cause hearing on February 13.
Araujo, a Brockton resident, is survived by two young sons and is remembered as a Brockton High School graduate and a kitchen worker at a retirement community.
The tragic incident has had a profound impact on Araujo’s family. His mother, Ana Inocencio, and his sisters, Andrea Monteiro and Vera Lopes, have publicly shared their grief and the devastating impact of their brother’s untimely death.
While the shooting seems to be a targeted act according to authorities, the exact motive behind the crime remains unclear.