Massachusetts Driver Repeatedly Runs Over Disabled Man, Strikes Him With Brick Over 20 Times: Police

A Massachusetts man is behind bars and facing murder charges after law enforcement officials say he allegedly ran down another man — who had previously been injured in a car crash as a child — and then hit him with a brick more than 20 times.

On April 6, police responded to a report of a “motor vehicle versus pedestrian crash” in Brockton, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.

Officials said 45-year-old Vasco Semedo ran 50-year-old Stuart Smith down with his Toyota SUV.

When officers arrived at the scene, Semedo was being detained by people at the scene.

Smith was found unresponsive on the pavement in front of the SUV. He was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries, authorities said.

After talking with witnesses and using surveillance video footage, investigators determined Semedo struck Smith with his motor vehicle, backed up and drove into the victim again. He then got out of the vehicle and hit Smith more than 20 times with a brick as he was laying on the ground.

Prosecutors said that Semedo appeared to hit Smith intentionally, running his car into a brick wall and then using debris from the crash as a weapon.

The victim’s brother, Damien Smith, told WBTS, “He was a beacon of light to his friends and family.” He said Smith dealt with lifelong mental health issues after being struck by a car as a child.

Smith’s sister, Rosemary Schneider, said, “Everybody knew him, and just came to surround him and help him and they kept the perpetrator there so he couldn’t leave. I think that speaks volumes to my brother’s character.”

Police didn’t say if Semedo and Smith knew each other or what the possible motive was.

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Semedo was arrested and charged with murder and negligent operation of a motor vehicle, officials said.

He pleaded not guilty and was being held without bail. His probable cause hearing is scheduled for May 14.