Jury Convicted New Bedford Man in 2023 Murder
John Geovanni Pires Monteiro Macedo was found guilty of first-degree murder in a 2023 shooting on County Street.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Violence
A jury convicted 23-year-old John Geovanni Pires Monteiro Macedo of first-degree murder by deliberate premeditation. The conviction follows the 2023 shooting death of 27-year-old Amarito Fernandes in New Bedford.
Why it matters
The verdict brings closure to a case involving a fatal late-night shooting that prompted an emergency response after police received ShotSpotter alerts and 911 calls. It holds the perpetrator accountable for the premeditated killing of the victim.
A jury delivered a guilty verdict on October 1, 2026, for murder and firearms charges. The court has scheduled the defendant's sentencing for October 7, 2026, at the Fall River Superior Court.
The players
John Geovanni Pires Monteiro Macedo
The 23-year-old defendant was found guilty of first-degree murder by deliberate premeditation and associated firearms offenses.
Amarito Fernandes
The 27-year-old victim was killed during a shooting incident that occurred on County Street.
New Bedford Police
The local agency responded to the scene after ShotSpotter notifications and 911 calls alerted them to the shooting.
Fall River Superior Court
This judicial venue is where the defendant's sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place.
The details
Macedo stood outside a vehicle and fired multiple shots at Fernandes shortly after 11 p.m. on County Street. The victim was later pronounced dead at St. Luke's Hospital following the incident.
Timeline
August 3, 2023: The murder occurred on County Street in New Bedford.
October 1, 2026: A jury convicted Macedo of first-degree murder.
October 7, 2026: Sentencing is scheduled at the Fall River Superior Court.
Legal Context
This case follows standard judicial procedures for prosecuting deliberate premeditated murder in Massachusetts courts. It reflects the ongoing application of state statutes regarding firearms offenses and capital-level homicide charges.
The conviction resolves the immediate criminal matter related to the 2023 incident on County Street. Local residents and business owners in the area may see the conclusion of the court proceedings as a step toward closure for the community.
The takeaway
The successful prosecution of this case emphasizes the reliance on forensic evidence and emergency reporting systems like ShotSpotter in modern criminal investigations. Readers are reminded to report suspicious activities to local authorities to support community safety initiatives.
What happens next
The court will hold a sentencing hearing for the defendant on October 7, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on legal developments in the region, visit the Violence section.
