In the early hours of a Sunday morning in July 2011, the life of 21-year-old Alessa Francesca Castellon of Roslindale, Massachusetts, was tragically cut short. On July 24th, at approximately 3:05 a.m., Boston Police responded to a report of a shooting at 50 Granger Street in Dorchester. Upon arrival, they discovered Castellon suffering from gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Known to her friends as "A Banga," Alessa was a mother to a young son, Antonio "Junior" Llamas.
Family members described her as a student at Bunker Hill Community College where she was studying criminal justice. She was the beloved daughter of Antonio and Frances Castellon, a dear sister to Brenda Pierna, and a loving aunt. Her sudden and violent death sent shockwaves through her community, leaving her family and friends to grapple with an immeasurable loss.
The investigation into Alessa's death quickly led to a suspect. That same afternoon, police arrested 22-year-old Junior Fernandes of Dorchester. It was revealed that Fernandes and Castellon had been in an "on again, off again relationship" for about a year. The shooting occurred at the home of Fernandes's sister. Fernandes was subsequently charged with murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
At his arraignment in Dorchester District Court, prosecutors stated that Fernandes had shot Castellon multiple times, possibly as many as five times. He was ordered held without bail. While hiding from view of the courtroom, which was filled with Alessa's grieving family and friends, Fernandes listened as the initial case against him was presented. The tragic end to this young woman's life became Dorchester's 16th homicide of that year.
