On a Saturday night, November 28, 2015, Donald DePina, a 66-year-old male Vietnam veteran, was working his shift as a cab driver in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and uncle, known for his unconditional love for his family. DePina was also a respected figure in the community, having previously served as the Director of Veterans' Services for the City of New Bedford, where he was a dedicated advocate for fellow veterans.
His evening took a tragic turn when he was dispatched to pick up two individuals.
Later that night, around 11 p.m., DePina was found unresponsive with a gunshot wound in the parking lot of Brooklawn Park. He was rushed to St. Luke's Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead about an hour later. The investigation that followed revealed a senseless act of violence. Two teenagers had requested a ride to the park, where they intended to rob him.
Within two days, authorities arrested 18-year-old Alexander Mills and a 16-year-old male in connection with the murder. The investigation revealed that Mills had shot DePina in the head before he and his accomplice robbed him and stole his taxi. The cab was equipped with a video camera which captured Mills driving the vehicle after the murder. It was later discovered that Mills had a history of legal troubles and had walked away from a Department of Youth Services group home just 18 days prior to the killing.
Alexander Mills eventually pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and two counts of armed robbery. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 32 and a half years. His co-defendant, who was a juvenile at the time of the crime, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to serve 10 to 15 years in state prison. The tragic and brutal murder of Donald DePina, a man who had served his country and his community, sent shockwaves through the city of New Bedford.
