Everett man convicted of second-degree murder in post-game shooting

EVERETT — Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Everett Chief of Police Paul Strong announced today that Michael J.

Stanton, 22, of Everett, has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the 2021 shooting death of 20-year-old Craig McDonald, Jr. from Randolph.

The fatal incident occurred on October 22, 2021, following Everett’s annual homecoming football game, a time when the community traditionally gathers to celebrate.

“The defendant brazenly tracked McDonald down in the neighborhood, using an illegally possessed firearm to end his life in a senseless tragedy,” District Attorney Ryan stated.

Everett Police responded to a 911 call at about 7:57 p.m. on the night of the murder, reporting gunfire near Revere Street and Second Street.

Shortly after, it was discovered that McDonald had been taken to CHA Everett Hospital with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead soon after.

According to the investigation, Stanton and his friends had been monitoring McDonald and his girlfriend during the game, following a conflict on social media.

After McDonald left the game, Stanton and his group followed him to his car, where Stanton shot him while he was seated inside.

Stanton, who was 19 at the time of the murder, was convicted after a three-week trial.

His sentencing is scheduled for October 2, at 10 a.m. at the Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn before Justice Laurence Pierce.

Luiz Perlera, Stanton’s co-defendant, is also charged with the murder of McDonald and is set to be tried on October 23, in the same court.

Assistant District Attorneys Carrie Spiros and Andrew Ineson are assigned to the cases, with Susan Marshall serving as the Victim Witness Advocate.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Everett and Massachusetts State Police.