Middlesex DA Marian Ryan announced on Friday that a suspect has been indicted in the 2015 murder case of 21-year-old Ashlee “Penny” Berryman. Berryman was tragically killed in a shooting outside an Everett nightclub, leaving behind her 3-year-old son and grieving family and friends. Prosecutors believe they have finally solved the case that has haunted the community for over eight years.
The suspect, Henry “J.R.” Del-Rio, 27, has been indicted on charges of murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a felony, and other related charges. Del-Rio is currently in federal custody for a separate case, and will be arraigned on the county charges at a later date.
According to prosecutors, Del-Rio, a known member of the Chelsea “East Side Money Gang,” was at the nightclub the night of the shooting. Allegedly, he got into an argument with another individual, and then proceeded to fire nine shots into the crowd, fatally wounding Berryman. This tragic incident has left the community of Everett in shock and grief for several years.
After years of intentional efforts by some witnesses to conceal the truth, Middlesex DA Marian Ryan established a Cold Case Unit in 2019 to deliver the much-needed closure. With the announcement of the indictment, Ryan has also taken the opportunity to push for a new bill in the Massachusetts Legislature aimed at addressing reckless firearm discharge.
The charges against Del-Rio have reignited hope for justice among Berryman’s family and the Everett community. This development serves as a reminder that justice has no expiration date and that law enforcement will continue to pursue those who commit violent acts.
The indictment of the suspect in this long-standing case proves that the efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors have paid off, bringing some closure to the tragic loss of Ashlee Berryman.