2 suspects charged with accessory to murder in fatal Holyoke shooting

Law enforcement officials investigate the scene where multiple were shot, Oct. 4, in Holyoke.

Law enforcement officials investigate the scene where multiple were shot, Oct. 4, in Holyoke. AP

Massachusetts State Police have placed Kermith Alvarez, 28, of Holyoke,  on its Most Wanted List for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of an infant on Oct. 4.

Massachusetts State Police have placed Kermith Alvarez, 28, of Holyoke, on its Most Wanted List for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of an infant on Oct. 4.

Staff Report

Published: 10-17-2023 9:53 AM

HOLYOKE — Two Holyoke residents who allegedly helped one of three suspects wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of an infant on Oct. 4 are facing charges, according to the Hampden district attorney’s office.

Jose Galarza, 31, and Jay Marie Rosado-Rosario, 29, have both been charged with accessory after the fact to a murder for their alleged efforts in assisting a suspect in the shooting, Kermith Alvarez, who remains at large following the incident on Sargeant Street in which a pregnant woman riding on a PVTA bus was shot. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. The infant, who was delivered, and needed life-saving medical services, died.

The other two suspects were arrested and charged with murder shortly after the shooting.

Galarza is being arraigned in Holyoke District Court Wednesday, while Rosado-Rosario pleaded not guilty in Holyoke District Court Tuesday, with her bail set at $5,000. She is to return to court Nov. 17.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts State Police last week placed Alvarez on its Most Wanted List. He’s described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 230 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He has gone by the alias Kermith Vargas, State Police said.

Alvarez is believed to be actively avoiding law enforcement, the firearm used in this incident has not been recovered, and he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Alvarez should contact the State Police Detective Unit at 413-505-5993 or the Massachusetts State Police: Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section at 1-800-KAPTURE (1-800-527-8873).

On Oct. 6, Johnluis Sanchez, 30, of Holyoke, was arraigned by Zoom in Holyoke District Court on a charge of murder for his suspected involvement in the shooting. His bail was revoked on an open firearms case out of Holyoke District Court, and he was held without the right to bail. His next scheduled court date is on Nov. 3.

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On Oct. 5, Alejandro Ramos, 22, of Holyoke, was arraigned on a charge of murder in Holyoke District Court for his suspected involvement in the shooting. He is being held without the right to bail, with his next scheduled court date on Nov. 3.

This incident is under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office and the Holyoke Police Department.