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Everett man convicted of murder after homecoming football game

A man was found guilty after a three-week trial of fatally shooting a 20-year-old after a homecoming football game in Everett in 2021, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan's office said Tuesday.

Michael J. Stanton, 22, of Everett, who was 19 at the time of the shooting, was convicted of second-degree murder for the death of Craig McDonald Jr. of Randolph, Ryan's office said in a statement.

His sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday in Middlesex Superior Court, the statement said.

On October 22, 2021, at 7:57 p.m., police responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired in the area of ​​Revere and Second streets, authorities said.

Minutes later, police were told McDonald Jr. was taken to CHA Everett Hospital with apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly afterwards, authorities said.

An investigation determined the shooting occurred after a social media conflict between Stanton and McDonald Jr., who were both attending the homecoming game, the statement said.

Stanton and his friends “actively surveilled” McDonald Jr. and his girlfriend, followed him as he left the game and shot him while he sat in his parked car, the statement said.

Authorities say Stanton used an illegally possessed firearm.

Luiz Perlera, Stanton's co-defendant, has also been charged with murder and is scheduled to go on trial Oct. 23 in Middlesex Superior Court, the statement said.

“This case is an example of the dangerous trend of young people illegally owning firearms and using them to commit violence in our communities,” Ryan said. “This was truly a senseless tragedy. While nothing can mitigate the harm caused by this defendant, this prosecution reflects our commitment to holding accountable those who commit these violent acts.”

Kiera McDonald can be reached at [email protected].

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