Aaron Britto, a 44-year-old man from New Bedford, Massachusetts, was a beloved husband, a livery driver, and a devoted father to his many children. Known as a kind and sweet soul who was a significant supporter of his city's local music artists, he loved racing RC cars with his sons. Those who knew him said his greatest passion in life was being a father.
In the early morning hours of August 4, 2024, Britto’s life was tragically cut short.
He had attended the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament with his son earlier that night and later stopped at the Morna Lounge and Grill on Acushnet Avenue. At approximately 1:37 a.m., residents on nearby Earle Street heard gunshots and discovered Britto in a grassy area behind the lounge, suffering from multiple injuries. Emergency responders rushed him to Saint Luke's Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
An investigation was launched by Massachusetts State Police detectives, New Bedford Police, and Homicide Unit prosecutors. According to the district attorney's office, surveillance video captured the events of that night. The footage allegedly showed Britto leaving the lounge area with two other men and going behind a nearby building. Prosecutors stated that the incident was an armed robbery during which Britto was shot multiple times. As he lay on the ground, a chain was stolen from his neck, and he was then shot again before his assailants fled.
The investigation led to the identification and arrest of two suspects from New Bedford. On August 16, 2024, police arrested 21-year-old Anthony Jalo and charged him with murder. Another man, 18-year-old Ruben Lima, was arrested and charged with armed robbery in connection with the incident. While in custody, Jalo was also charged with an unrelated armed carjacking that had occurred on August 14.
Anthony Jalo pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and was ordered held without bail. Ruben Lima is also being held without bail on his armed robbery charge. As of January 2025, court proceedings for both men were pending in Fall River Superior Court.
