DA Tucker Responds to Sentencing of Two Charged in Beating of Christopher 'Ducky' Anderson
The following information is being shared as a result of continued community interest in the sentences recently imposed on two of six juveniles charged with beating Christopher “Ducky” Anderson of Danvers, MA.
This Office treats crimes against our most vulnerable citizens extremely seriously. This case is no exception. From the onset of this investigation, detectives and school resource officers from the Danvers Police Department worked closely with our Office to identify and hold accountable the youths involved in this disturbing act of violence. A tremendous number of hours have been dedicated to this case by officers and prosecutors. Understandably, members of the public were also affected and continue to have a vested interest in this case as well.
On Saturday, October 12, 2024 at approximately 4:20 p.m., officers from the Danvers Police Department responded to a reported assault behind the Holten Richmond Middle School. There, they found Anderson, 43, with injuries including two fractured ribs. Further investigation revealed that Anderson was lured into the woods behind the school near Plains Park, where he was then attacked by the six juveniles. The assailants allegedly kicked Anderson and threw a bike onto him.
Due to the seriousness of the offenses, this Office decided to present the case to the grand jury. An Essex County grand jury returned youthful offender indictments against Christian Ramos, of Lawrence, who was 15 at the time, and Danvers resident Armani Mendez, also 15 at the time. Indictments were also returned for two additional youthful offenders who are alleged to have participated and are due back in court on April 28th. In youthful offender cases, the judge has discretion to impose juvenile, adult, or combination sentences. These proceedings are open to the public.
This case warranted and received careful consideration by my office and the Commonwealth’s sentencing recommendations reflected the gravity of the conduct involved, recognizing the need for accountability. The Commonwealth recommended the following sentences relative to Mendez and Ramos; the court ultimately imposed different sentences, outlined below.
Commonwealth’s Recommendations
Armani Mendez
Assault and Battery on a Person with Intellectual Disabilities: DYS Committed until 21
Assault and Battery with Intent to Intimidate Resulting Bodily Injury: 18 months house of correction, suspended until 21st birthday, stay away no contact witnesses and victim, GPS monitored curfew from 5PM to 7 AM, possess no dangerous weapons, complete medication evaluation, and follow up treatment
Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon: DYS Committed until 21
Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon: DYS Committed until 21
Christian Ramos
Assault and Battery on a Person with Intellectual Disabilities: DYS Committed until 21
Assault and Battery with Intent to Intimidate Resulting Bodily Injury: DYS Committed until 21
Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon: DYS Committed until 21
Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon: DYS Committed until 21
Sentences Imposed
The Juvenile Court, in its discretion, imposed the following:
Armani Mendez
Assault and Battery on a Person with Intellectual Disabilities: Probation until age 19. Conditions of probation: Stay away and no contact from victim, witnesses, co-defendants, enroll in an education program or seek and maintain employment, mental health evaluation and follow-up treatment (the conditions of probation are the same for all four counts)
Assault and Battery with Intent to Intimidate Resulting Bodily Injury: Probation until age 19
Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon: DYS Committed until 21, sentence suspended until age 19
Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon: DYS Committed until 21, sentence suspended until age 19
Christian Ramos
Assault and Battery on a Person with Intellectual Disabilities: Probation until age 19. Stay away and no contact from victim, witnesses co-defendants, enroll in an education program or seek and maintain employment, continue counseling and sign releases
Assault and Battery with Intent to Intimidate Resulting Bodily Injury: Probation until age 19
Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon: DYS Committed until 21, sentence suspended until age 19
Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon: DYS Committed until 21, sentence suspended until age 19
My Office remains committed in every prosecution to transparency, holding those responsible accountable, and acknowledging the harm caused while balancing the need for rehabilitation when appropriate, all integral parts of the justice system.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Michael Keefe-Feldman
E: Michael.Keefe-Feldman@mass.gov
Office: 978-745-6610
Cell: 781-771-9779