Man Charged with Murder of 15-Year-Old Rakeem Armstrong

A 34-year-old resident of Sandhill Village has been arrested and formally charged in connection with the murder of 15-year-old Rakeem Armstrong and the shooting injury of 18-year-old Justin Young. Dean Vaccaro, a Belizean laborer now faces multiple serious charges including murder, and attempted murder. The shooting incident occurred on Sunday, May 31, in Gardenia Village where Armstrong and Young were socializing. Vaccaro allegedly approached and opened fire in their direction, discharging multiple shots. ASP smith has the details. 

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “As a result of the ongoing investigation into the shooting incident which resulted in the murder of 15 year old Rakeem Armstrong and the shooting injury of 18 year old Justin Young, police have formally arrested and charged 34 year old Dean Vacaro of San Hill Village for the crimes of murder, attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm.”

Investigators have indicated that the incident may have stemmed from a dispute involving a bicycle, though authorities declined to elaborate further on the specific circumstances surrounding the altercation. The arrest of Vaccaro brings some measure of closure to the families of both victims, even as the legal process is set to begin. Rakeem Armstrong, just 15 years old at the time of his death, is one of the youngest homicide victims in recent memory, The matter is expected to proceed before the courts in due course.