WORCESTER – A verbal altercation and a broken window was what allegedly led to the shooting death of an unidentified man in Worcester on Dec. 7, according to court documents.
Samuel Peckham, 28, of Westborough, has been charged with armed assault to murder and assault and battery with a firearm.
Peckham was arraigned in Worcester District Court on Dec. 7. MassLive reported that a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
Worcester police previously said that an officer had been near Honey Farms at 101 Highland Street when he came across a shooting victim. The officer reportedly radioed for assistance and rendered medical aid to the 31-year-old victim.
Peckham, police said, had been at the scene of the shooting and was placed under arrest.
According to the statement of facts filed in District Court, Peckham said there was a “verbal altercation” between himself and the victim, and during it, the victim hit Peckham’s driver’s side window with his hand, breaking the window.
“Peckham had a semi-automatic firearm in his possession at that time,” police wrote. “Peckham then raised the firearm, pointing it at the victim and discharged one round, striking the victim in the chest.”
According to police, he has an active license to carry firearms in Massachusetts.
The victim was transported to a hospital, but he was later pronounced dead shortly after his arrival.
According to MassLive, Peckham has been ordered held without bail pending the results of a dangerousness hearing Jan. 10.
