Beverly Playground Murder Began As Fight Over Girl

BEVERLY (CBS/AP) -A Beverly playground turned into a murder scene overnight, when a 26-year-old man was killed in what family members say started as a fight over a girl.

James Vernazzaro of Beverly went to the park Thursday night, after agreeing to meet a man for a fight.

"They called and he met them at Balch Park," his niece Mariah told WBZ-TV. "It's supposed to be one-on-one and I guess there were six of them."

Vernazzaro was beaten and stabbed; he died before reaching the hospital.

"I'm just very numb at the moment," Jim Messner, the victim's stepbrother told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens. "From what I understand there was multiple people jumping him, and with weapons involved. There's no excuse for that; no excuse whatsoever."

Carl Stevens Reports

Two Beverly men were arrested Friday morning. Sajan Christensen, 18 and Adam Martin, 17, were identified by witnesses. They were arraigned on murder charges Friday. Pleas of not guilty were entered on their behalf and they are being held without bail.

Prosecutors say witnesses identified the two suspects and indicated where they lived.

Martin's attorney, Jeffrey Karp, said he is investigating the matter and expects to argue that his client was defending himself against a larger and heavier Vernazzaro.

Christensen's attorney did not immediately return a call for comment after business hours.

Friends admit Vernazarro, who worked at carnivals, has had a rough past. However, they say he went out of his way to protect people he cared about.

Jim Vernazzaro would have turned 27 on Saturday. Family and friends were planning to throw a surprise party.

Alana Gomez of WBZ-TV and Carl Stevens of WBZ NewsRadio 1030 contributed to this report.

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