On a cold winter day in Brockton, Massachusetts, the life of 72-year-old Arlindo DePina Goncalves was tragically cut short in a wave of violence that stunned the community. On January 21, 2009, Mr. Goncalves, a native of Fogo, Cape Verde, became an innocent victim in a racially motivated rampage. He was a man who enjoyed music and dancing and was a husband, father to eight children, and a beloved grandfather.
That afternoon, a self-proclaimed white supremacist named Keith Luke embarked
on a horrific crime spree. After arming himself, he broke into a home where he raped a woman and shot her sister. Following this brutal assault, he fled the scene and continued his violent path through the city. It was during this time that he encountered Arlindo DePina Goncalves on the street. Without provocation, Luke shot and killed the elderly man. Shortly after, another woman, Selma Goncalves, aged 20, was also shot and killed by Luke.
The tragic and senseless death of Mr. Goncalves sent ripples of grief through his family and the local Cape Verdean community. Over 100 mourners gathered to remember a man described by his loved ones as kind and gentle. His funeral was held at St. Edith Stein/St. Edward Parish, and he was laid to rest in Melrose Cemetery in Brockton.
The perpetrator, Keith Luke, was apprehended by police after a car chase. During his subsequent trial, harrowing details of his planned attack emerged, revealing his intent to kill 'non-whites.' Survivors of the rampage provided powerful testimony in court against him. Ultimately, Keith Luke was convicted for the murders of Arlindo DePina Goncalves and Selma Goncalves, as well as for the rape and attempted murder of the other victims. He was sentenced to life in prison for his heinous acts.
