Cristiano Macedo, 27, was killed in an early-morning shooting inside the Morna Lounge and Grill at 1621 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford on January 11, 2025. Police arrived after reports of gunfire at about 1:21 a.m. and found three people with gunshot wounds. Macedo was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital and pronounced dead; two women in their twenties were treated for injuries.

Macedo was born in São Vicente, Cape Verde Islands, moved to New Bedford in 2008, worked as a driver for FedEx, and was remembered by friends for his sense of humor. A suspect was arrested the next evening: 19-year-old Danielson Varela of New Bedford was charged with first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, and two counts of assault and battery with a firearm. He pleaded not guilty at arraignment and was held without bail; the case was later moved to Fall River Superior Court with added firearm-violation allegations tied to prior offenses. The city’s police chief ordered the temporary closure of the Morna Lounge and Grill, citing a pattern of police incidents there.

Are there witnesses or anyone who knew Cristiano who can add details about that night or his life?