WOBURN, Mass. — A man has been indicted by a grand jury for the 2015 shooting death of a young mother outside an Everett nightclub, the Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced Friday. Henry Del Rio faces charges including first-degree murder in connection with the killing of Ashlee Berryman, who was 21 years old at the time of her death. The incident occurred in August 2015 in the parking lot of the Braza Bar and Grill on School Street.
According to Ryan, Del Rio allegedly fired his gun into a crowd outside the nightclub, fatally striking Berryman, an innocent victim caught in the crossfire. Berryman, also known as Penny, was a mother to a 3-year-old at the time of her death, and was attending the concert with her boyfriend, a local rapper set to perform at the venue.
The tragic event unfolded when two men, not in attendance at the concert, engaged in an argument with an associate of Del Rio in the parking lot. Del Rio then opened fire with a 40 caliber semiautomatic pistol, hitting one of the men and ultimately fatally wounding Berryman. The shooting also damaged a city sign, a parked car, and a Rite Aid pharmacy window.
Del Rio is currently in federal custody on a separate case and is expected to face charges in Middlesex County next week in connection with Berryman’s death. Ryan believes Del Rio has ties to the Chelsea-based East Side Money gang. The incident has prompted reflection on the dangers of gun violence and the brazenness of individuals who choose to fire into a crowd of people.
Family members of the victim have expressed their grief and desire for justice. Jami Monahan, Berryman’s cousin and her son’s godmother, emphasized the importance of Del Rio being held accountable for his actions. “Justice won’t be served until this man is behind bars serving the rest of his life in jail,” Monahan said.
The tragic death of Ashlee Berryman continues to resonate with the community, shedding light on the devastating impact of gun violence. As the legal proceedings unfold, the hope for closure and justice remains a priority for those affected by this senseless act of violence. The indictment of Henry Del Rio marks a crucial step in the pursuit of accountability for the loss of a young life.