Prosecutors said one victim was found with a pitchfork in his head after a fight turned deadly.
FALL RIVER, MA — A Fall River man was charged Thursday with killing two young men on Aetna Street after police found one victim badly beaten and another with a pitchfork lodged in his head.
Vitor Francisco Gomes, 28, faces two counts of murder, unlawful carrying of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. The deaths have shaken a residential neighborhood where police, prosecutors and neighbors described a short burst of violence that included gunfire, a chase and a bloody attack. Gomes pleaded not guilty in Fall River District Court and was ordered held without bail.
Police were called to Aetna Street at about 8:50 p.m. Wednesday after a report of shots fired. Officers first found an unresponsive man on the sidewalk between 90 and 104 Aetna Street, covered in blood and with serious trauma to his face. They then found a second man on the ground near 99 Aetna Street. Prosecutors said a metal pitchfork was lodged in the back of that man’s head behind his ear. Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn called the killings “one of the most brutal and depraved acts of violence” he had seen.
The victims were identified as Pablo Henrique Rocha-Dasilva, 20, of Whitman, and Eduardo Cardosa DaSilva, 19, of Fall River. Both were pronounced dead at the scene after Fall River EMS arrived. Authorities have not said exactly how the men knew Gomes or each other. Prosecutors said the violence began near Gomes’ home after what a witness described as an informal boxing or sparring match. Officials said the dispute escalated, Gomes armed himself with a pistol, and shots were fired as the victims tried to leave.
Assistant District Attorney Dennis Collins said in court that Gomes fired into a car, then followed one of the men behind a nearby house. That victim was later found with the pitchfork injury. Collins said surveillance video also showed Gomes pulling another victim from the vehicle by the collar and striking him. Prosecutors said Gomes then picked up a cobblestone near his own driveway and struck the man several times while he appeared to be unconscious on the sidewalk. Police said street cameras and home surveillance helped investigators build the timeline.
Massachusetts State Police troopers found Gomes about one block from the scene, officials said. Police said he was covered in blood and ran briefly before officers arrested him. Investigators said Gomes had a bag that contained a firearm and ammunition. A police report said he had reddish-brown stains on his clothing, hands and arms. Fall River Acting Police Chief J.T. Hoar said the case appeared to be isolated to people who may have known each other and was not believed to be a random attack.
Defense attorney Kenneth Van Colen said in court that the case may involve self-defense. He said Gomes and others had been lightly sparring when the two victims arrived and the situation escalated. Van Colen said the victims threatened Gomes and his family. Prosecutors did not accept that account in court and described the attack as a pursuit after the men tried to get away. Gomes is a carpenter, is married, has a child and had no prior criminal record, according to statements made in court.
Neighbors described hearing several loud cracks Wednesday night before police flooded the street. Teresa Menezes, who lives nearby, said she first thought the noise might be fireworks. When she returned to the area, she saw officers and crime tape around the block. Mayor Paul Coogan said he did not know where the pitchfork came from but guessed it may have been used for yard work. “It’s something I’ve never heard of, and I hope I never hear of it again,” Coogan said.
Gomes remains held without bail after his not guilty plea. His next court date is scheduled for July 14, while Fall River police, Massachusetts State Police detectives and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office continue the homicide investigation.
Author note: Last updated June 12, 2026.