A Dorchester man, previously found guilty of manslaughter in a July 4th celebration shooting that resulted in a woman's death, has been sentenced to 17-20 years in the slammer, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden's office confirmed. Kristian Maraj, 26, faced his fate today for the 2020 incident murdering Felicity Coleman, 34.
According to details uncovered during the trial, a dispute escalated into violence when Maraj, during the festivity on Stonehurst Street and Norton Street, clashed with another man and accidentally dropped his gun. In a bid to control the situation, Maraj's father intervened, only to be stabbed. The family tie cut by an assailant's blade, Maraj snagged his gun back and opened fire into the crowd, inadvertently hitting and killing Coleman.
"This defendant made the reprehensible—and ultimately deadly—decision to indulge his rage by firing into a group of people who were gathered to enjoy fireworks in honor of Independence Day. That decision cost Felicity Coleman her life and handed her family and friends unending sorrow and grief," Hayden's office stated in anannouncement.
Judge Anthony Campo handed down Maraj's sentence, which also includes a concurrent four-year term for illegal firearm possession. During the sentencing, Coleman's cousin delivered a potent impact statement, requesting the court to consider the depth of their loss. "So I pray your honor you show the same mercy he did that night when he took Felicity Coleman away from us," the cousin stated, cited by the Suffolk District Attorney's office.
The cousin praised the legal team, jury, police, and witnesses for their roles in bringing justice, "I want to thank you to the officers who were able to detain this criminal immediately," she expressed her gratitude with unwavering resolve to attend every parole hearing to ensure Maraj remains behind bars. "No matter what the sentencing may be I promise myself I will be in attendance at every parole hearing to remind all how this man took an innocent life with no remorse." Her sentiments reflect a community's struggle for closure while forever carrying the memory of their dearly departed.
