Opening statements to begin in 2019 murder trial of New Bedford teen

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — Opening statements are scheduled to begin Wednesday in the Kevin Edwards murder trial, in which Edwards is accused of murdering 17-year-old Paul Collazo Ruiz.

On October 19, 2019, police responded to a shooting on Ashley Boulevard and discovered 17-year-old Paul Collazo-Ruiz and a 20-year-old New Bedford man had both been shot.

Collazo-Ruiz was pronounced dead at the scene while the 20-year-old victim was taken to the hospital where he recovered from the wounds.

On May 7, 2021, Kevin Edwards, Mauricio Pineda, and Ashlee Cambra were arrested in connection to the murder.

Kevin Edwards was charged with murder, assault and battery by discharge of a firearm, carrying an illegal firearm and unlawful possession of a large capacity feeding device.

Opening statements are set to begin at 9 a.m. at the Fall River Justice Center.