In the early hours of a Saturday morning, the life of 27-year-old Cristiano Macedo was tragically cut short in a burst of violence inside a New Bedford, Massachusetts bar. Macedo, a Hispanic male, was fatally shot on January 11, 2025, at the Morna Lounge and Grill located at 1621 Acushnet Avenue. The incident, which occurred at approximately 1:21 a.m., also resulted in injuries to two women in their twenties.
New Bedford Police responded to reports of a shooting and discovered three
gunshot victims inside the establishment. All three individuals were transported to St. Luke's Hospital for medical attention. While the two female victims received treatment for their injuries, Macedo was pronounced deceased shortly after his arrival at the hospital. Friends and acquaintances remembered Macedo for his sense of humor as they mourned his sudden and untimely death. Born in São Vicente, Cape Verde Islands, Macedo had moved to New Bedford in 2008 and was employed as a driver for FedEx. He enjoyed playing soccer and spending time with his family and friends.
The investigation into the homicide quickly led to a suspect. On the evening of Sunday, January 12, 2025, police arrested 19-year-old Danielson Varela of New Bedford in connection with the fatal shooting. Varela was subsequently charged with first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, and two counts of assault and battery with a firearm.
Danielson Varela was arraigned in New Bedford District Court where he pleaded not guilty and was ordered to be held without bail. His case was later moved to Fall River Superior Court, where he again pleaded not guilty to charges including murder and a firearm violation with two prior violent or drug-related crimes. Varela had a previous charge from a shooting incident in February 2024, though no injuries were reported in that case. Following the deadly shooting at the Morna Lounge and Grill, New Bedford's police chief ordered the temporary closure of the establishment, citing a pattern of police incidents at the location.
