Two men have been taken into custody in connection to a deadly shooting that occurred at the Hibachi Sushi Supreme Buffet in Brockton, Massachusetts. The incident resulted in the death of 22-year-old Joe Araujo.
The fatal shooting took place on Friday, January 12, 2024. Police were alerted to the scene just before 7:30 p.m.
Jamal Bazile, 18, and Nathan Veiga, 22, were both arraigned on January 16 in the Brockton District Court. Bazile pleaded not guilty to one count each of murder, possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, and discharge of a firearm. Veiga pleaded not guilty to one count each of murder and accessory before the fact.
Surveillance footage from the restaurant revealed one of the suspects, Bazile, approaching Araujo and firing his weapon before making his escape.
In response to the incident, Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police initiated a thorough investigation, leading to the arrests.
Law enforcement officers carried out a search at Veiga’s residence, identifying a unique coat that the gunman, subsequently recognized as Bazile, had worn at the time of the incident. Subsequently, Veiga was detained by officers from the Brockton Police Department.
Officials reported that on Monday evening, Bazile was found at a residence in Hyannis and arrested after becoming aggressive and attacking law enforcement personnel. The district attorney’s office noted that Bazile was found with a 9mm Smith and Wesson gun, which contained four bullets.
At the court proceedings on Tuesday, the prosecution mentioned that Araujo was having dinner with his girlfriend at the Hibachi Sushi Supreme Buffet when Veiga noticed him from within the eatery.
Authorities have indicated that Araujo and Veiga belonged to opposing gangs.
Detectives reported that Veiga exited the eatery, returned to the car he had previously occupied, and spoke with fellow passengers.
After that, Bazile entered the eatery, approached the table where Araujo was seated, and fired three shots at him, hitting him twice.
Legal representatives have noted that Bazile had appeared in court the previous month to face allegations of unlawful gun possession. The prosecution had advocated for a $10,000 cash bail in that case, yet the judge reduced the requirement to $5,000. Bazile managed to post this bail and secure his release.
“He secures yet another weapon afterward and commits a homicide,” Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sprague stated at the arraignment on Tuesday.
During the proceedings, Judge Michael Vitali decreed Bazile and Veiga are to be detained without bail. The two men are scheduled to reappear in court for a hearing on the probable cause on February 13.
Araujo, a resident of Brockton, is remembered as a loving father of two young boys, a Brockton High School graduate, and an employee at a retirement community kitchen.
The tragic incident has deeply affected Araujo’s family. His mother, Ana Inocencio, mourns the loss of her son, while his sisters, Andrea Monteiro and Vera Lopes, have publicly expressed their sorrow and the irreversible consequences of their brother’s demise.
Although the shooting appears to be a targeted act, according to authorities, the motive behind the crime remains unclear.
