Vasco Semedo: Man charged with murder after mowing down pedestrian with SUV before brutally killing him
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
BROCKTON, MASSACHUSETTS: A tragic incident unfolded in Brockton after a man was struck by an SUV on April 6, 2024. Cops say that the pedestrian crash was not accidental, NBC Boston reports.
According to an announcement by the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office, 50-year-old Stuart Smith died late due to injuries sustained from what is believed to be an intentional vehicular assault. The driver of the SUV, identified as 45-year-old Vasco Semedo, was charged with murder and he will stay behind bars until his hearing on May 14.
Brockton police responds to gruesome crime scene after multiple 911 calls
Brockton police received numerous 911 calls around 8.53 am on Saturday regarding a pedestrian collision at 65 North Main Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered Smith unresponsive on the ground in front of a Toyota Rav 4, with Semedo being restrained by individuals present at the scene.
Smith was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital and subsequently airlifted to Massachusetts General Hospital by medical helicopter. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries at 10.34 pm, on April 6, as confirmed by officials.
A preliminary investigation, involving witness testimonies and surveillance footage, led detectives to conclude that Semedo was driving the Rav 4 when he struck Smith, reversed, and struck him again. Subsequently, Semedo exited his vehicle and used a brick to repeatedly hit Smith who was lying on the ground.
Semedo was arrested at the scene and initially charged with attempted murder, along with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily harm, and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.
Following Smith's death, the charge was elevated to murder. It is unclear whether the individuals involved in the vehicular collision were acquainted, and police have refrained from disclosing any information regarding a potential motive.
Neighborhood in shock over Stuart Smith's alleged murder
During the investigation into the motive behind Smith's death, residents of the Brockton neighborhood shared their thoughts on him.
Tara Manning, a neighbor, expressed, "He didn’t probably do anything to deserve that, that’s awful, He was a figure around here, I just can’t believe he had to go out that way, somebody was so mad that they killed him? Like that’s crazy.”
Janis Jefferson, who resided in the same rooming house as Smith, stated, "I think it was a rotten thing to do to Stewie. He was quite a guy, he really helped a lot of people.”
Friends and neighbors recounted how the 50-year-old would collect scrap metal and often be seen stacking it in a shopping cart to sell.
Jefferson emphasized, "He wasn’t the kind of guy that would hurt anybody. We all have to stick together and love one another where they’re at, and Stewie I cared a lot about that guy, when I heard about him, I cried."
The community is perplexed by the violent act that claimed Smith's life.
According to CBS News, Smith's sister Rosemary claimed, "Just a fun-loving guy, Hilarious. Always had a joke, always had a smile…. Just really thankful for all the people who were there at his side when we couldn't be."
