On a cold evening in Attleboro, Massachusetts, the life of Thomas Pomare, a 34-year-old Black / African American man, was tragically cut short. On December 4, 2017, while visiting from his home in California, Pomare was fatally shot. He had traveled to Massachusetts to mourn the recent death of his younger brother, who had also been a victim of gun violence.
The cruel irony of his visit would soon become a devastating reality for his family.
Staying with a friend on South Avenue, the night took a violent turn when at least two armed individuals forced their way into the residence. Their motive, as investigators would later determine, was to steal marijuana. Pomare had been sleeping inside the home and was awakened by the commotion of the robbery. In the ensuing chaos, he was shot. Emergency services were called, and he was rushed to a local hospital, but his injuries proved to be fatal.
The investigation into the homicide led police down a complex path involving multiple suspects. An early arrest was that of Christopher Johnson, who was not charged with the murder itself but with misleading the investigators, suggesting he had knowledge that he withheld or fabricated. Another individual, Archie Charles, was also taken into custody in connection with the killing. The search for the primary suspects continued, leading authorities to New York, where they apprehended Job Williams.
A significant breakthrough in the case came with the arrest of Jaquan Cohen of Boston. He was charged with first-degree murder, and in November 2021, a jury found him guilty. His trial brought to light the details of the robbery-motivated murder, finally bringing a measure of justice for Thomas Pomare's loved ones. The conviction of Cohen marked the culmination of a years-long effort by law enforcement to hold those responsible for Pomare's death accountable for their actions.
