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(Updated) Accused Worcester State Shooter Busted In New York: Police

Update: Kevin Rodriguez, 18, who is accused of a shooting at Worcester State University that killed one and injured another, will soon return to Massachusetts to face charges, authorities said Friday, Nov. 3. 

Kevin Rodriquez

Kevin Rodriquez

Photo Credit: Worcester County District Attorney's Office
Randy Melendez Jr

Randy Melendez Jr

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

Rodriguez was captured in New York on Thursday and signed a waiver of extradition, meaning he will not fight Bay State officials in bringing him back.  

Original: The 18-year-old man police say pulled the trigger and shot two people at Worcester State University on Saturday, Oct. 28, has been arrested in New York City, police announced Thursday. 

Kevin Rodriquez, of Lawrence, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and armed assault with intent to murder, the Worcester County District Attorney's Office has said. Though, they've released scant details on his arrest. 

Rodriquez is accused of shooting Randy Armando Melendez Jr., of Southbridge, and another man after a fight in a parking lot of the Chandler Street campus around 2:30 a.m., police said. Videos of the incident were posted online shortly after the killing. 

Neither of the victims nor suspects attended Worcester State University.

Melendez had turned 19 years old days before he was killed. 

Randy Melendez Jr.'s family created a GoFundMe to help pay for his funeral. The campaign has raised more than $9,500 of its $10,000 goal as of Thursday afternoon. 

"Our son was a great kid, hardworking, who loved being around friends and family. He loved spending his spare time at home with his family. We are going through the hardest time of our life and wouldn’t wish this on anyone," his stepmother wrote in the fundraiser. 

Richard Nieves, 19, was also arrested in the shooting on a gun charge, officials said. Though police do not believe he shot anyone, the Worcester prosecutor said. 

The second person who was shot in the incident was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. Officials have not released an update on his condition. 

Worcester police are investigating the shooting. 

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