A suspect has been identified eight years after the fatal shooting of Ashlee “Penny” Berryman outside a bar in Everett, Massachusetts in 2015. Henry “J.R.” Del-Rio, 27, is accused of firing a gun into a crowd outside Braza Bar And Grill, resulting in Berryman’s death. The 21-year-old mother was an innocent victim caught in the gunfire, leaving behind a young son, as well as grieving family and friends, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.
Del-Rio, a Chelsea resident, has been charged with first-degree murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and other related offenses. He was allegedly associated with the Chelsea-based East Side Money Gang, and on the night of the shooting, a verbal argument led to him firing nine shots into the crowd, one of which struck Berryman in the back. Despite multiple witnesses recognizing Del-Rio as the shooter, his associates chose to conceal the truth, leading to a prolonged investigation.
However, persistence from investigators eventually led to the indictment of Del-Rio, who has been in federal custody since December 2022 in connection with a separate case. This case not only underscores the tragedy of a young mother losing her life, but also sheds light on the dangers of firearms on the streets and the brazenness of those who use them to harm innocent people.
Del-Rio’s criminal history and background will be presented in court during his arraignment. The case serves as a reminder of the potential harm caused by individuals who resort to gun violence in densely populated areas, where the risks to public safety are heightened.