Belchertown man arraigned in connection with Nov. 12 shooting

Ixadrian Aponte, 18, of 25 Depot St. in Belchertown, was arraigned in Eastern Hampshire District Court via videoconference today on firearm and assault charges, including armed assault to murder, in connection with a shooting on Shea Avenue, in Belchertown, on November 12, 2020.

Aponte was arrested early this morning at his home on a warrant following an extensive investigation by the Belchertown Police Department, with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney's Office. 

Aponte is alleged to have ordered marijuana using SnapChat, a social media application, and arranged for an exchange on Shea Avenue.  When a vehicle approached him, Aponte allegedly tried to rob the two occupants at gunpoint and then shot into the vehicle through the driver’s side window.  A bullet hit the front seat passenger who sustained significant injuries.

Judge Bruce Melikian ordered Aponte held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on April 2, 2021.

  • Aponte is charged with the following:
  • armed assault with intent to murder (firearm)
  • armed assault with intent to rob (firearm)
  • assault and battery with a firearm
  • carrying a loaded firearm without a license 
  • discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
  • use of a firearm in the commission of a felony

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

 

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