4-year-old shot, 3 others hurt during violent incident in Mattapan apartment
A Mattapan man was ordered held without bail after he allegedly shot his wife and other family members, including a 4-year-old boy inside the family's apartment.
There was a brief emotional outburst by a family member inside Dorchester District Court before Stokes was brought into the courtroom.
Mattapan shooting suspect arraigned
The 46-year-old Stokes faces a laundry list of charges including three counts of armed assault to murder, one count of assault to kill, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery on a family or household member.
Prosecutors said he shot his wife multiple times in the torso inside their Regis Road home late Monday night. Three other family members, a 4-year-old, 16-year-old, and 18-year-old suffered serious injuries. All four victims are expected to survive.
Concerned neighbors said they heard the commotion.
"There was a bunch of girls crying and screaming," one neighbor said.
According to police reports, several witnesses identified Stokes as the shooter. He then allegedly fled the scene in his wife's car and was later arrested in Roslindale early Tuesday morning. During his arraignment on Tuesday, Stokes and his defense attorney claimed he had an alibi.
"I need to do some investigation on it because we have reason to believe there is an identification issue based on information by the defendant regarding his work," defense attorney Robert Zarello said.
Previous domestic violence accusation
During the arraignment prosecutors also told the judge about an alleged incident Stokes had with his wife the night before the shooting that later led to a police traffic stop for several violations including speeding.
"That assault eventually escalated to her being tackled to the ground. Officers were able to observe injuries to her ear," the prosecutor said.
Outside the courthouse, family members declined comment.
Stokes is being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Monday.
