A Worcester man faces murder charges following a 2023 shooting incident that resulted in the death of 29-year-old Darilton Matias. The indictment, which came last week, presented Jose Ortiz Maldonado, 25, with one count of murder, among other grave accusations. According to the MassLive report, the charges against Maldonado also include kidnapping, strangulation, and multiple counts of armed assault with intent to murder.

On November 5, 2023, Worcester police responded to reports of gunshots on Grand Street around 1:18 a.m. Maldonado was subsequently arraigned on several serious charges tied to the incident, namely strangulation, kidnapping, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Following his arraignment, as reported by Boston 25 News, it was revealed that Maldonado was considered dangerous and was detained for the maximum 120 days allowed by state law. Subsequently, a $50,000 cash bail was set, but he has remained in custody.

Upon arrival at the scene last year, officers found Matias on the ground in front of a building, suffering from a gunshot wound. Matias was quickly transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Maldonado's arrest followed on November 8, 2023, three days after the shooting occurred.

Maldonado is slated for his upcoming arraignment in Worcester Superior Court today. He faces additional charges which include assault and battery on a family or household member, possession of a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without an FID card, and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling. The indictment signifies a shift of the case to a higher court where proceedings will continue to unfold, according to a statement from Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.'s office.