Watch CBS News

Brockton Man Arrested In Beating Death Of 74-Year-Old Pastor

BROCKTON (CBS) - A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a 74-year-old pastor in Brockton. On August 20th, Lee Harmon was riding his bicycle back from cleaning his disabled daughter's house when he was savagely beaten with a hammer along Clinton Street. He later died at the hospital.

On Wednesday, police arrested 35-year-old Carlos Ramon Velazquez and charged him in the brutal murder.

District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz stated, "This was a savage beating of a 74-year-old man that shocked and sickened our community. The State Police Detectives from my office and the Brockton Police have worked tirelessly to bring the person who murdered Lee Harmon to justice. I thank them for their hard work and dedication. I also want to thank the State Police Crime Lab for their outstanding work in analyzing the physical evidence in this case. Finally, our thoughts and prayers are with the Harmon family."

Velazquez was arrested at his home in Brockton without incident. Police would not say what information led them to Velazquez. He will be arraigned Thursday in Brockton District Court.

Harmon's wife, Francise, tells WBZ-TV she will be in court for the arraignment. "Oh, that's a big relief," she said. "I just feel release that's all. I know God is going to take care of it."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.