On a summer day in Boston, Massachusetts, a dispute that began over a scooter escalated into a tragic and fatal encounter for 22-year-old Justin Cannady. On July 2, 2020, Cannady, a male resident of Boston, found himself in a confrontation that would ultimately cost him his life in the Mattapan neighborhood. The incident was part of a distressing surge of gun violence that plagued the city on that day.
The tragic events began to unfold when 35-year-old Rafael Santos Santiago of Malden
approached Cannady and another individual on Columbia Road. Santiago accused the two of stealing a scooter belonging to one of his relatives, sparking a heated verbal argument. Following this initial confrontation, Santiago allegedly left to retrieve a firearm. He then located Cannady and the other man again at an address on Hosmer Street, where the argument intensified. Video evidence from the scene reportedly shows Santiago brandishing a firearm during this second altercation.
The conflict spilled out onto the streets as Santiago pursued the two men to the area of Norfolk Street and Woolson Street. It was there that Santiago is alleged to have opened fire, fatally wounding Justin Cannady. Alerted by prompt 911 calls from concerned neighbors, Boston Police officers arrived at the scene to find Santiago still armed with a revolver. Through verbal commands, the officers were able to de-escalate the situation and convince Santiago to drop his weapon. He was then taken into custody without further incident.
The day after the shooting, on July 3, 2020, Rafael Santos Santiago was arraigned in the Dorchester Division of Boston Municipal Court. He faced charges of murder, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. During the arraignment, a judge ordered that Santiago be held without bail pending further legal proceedings.
