Crime
Logan David Patterson and Dominick Frank Cardoza Arrested in Connection with Explosion at Harvard Medical School
BOSTON, MA — Federal authorities have arrested two Massachusetts men in connection with an explosion that occurred over the weekend at Harvard Medical School’s Goldenson Building.
According to officials, Logan David Patterson, 18, of Plymouth, and Dominick Frank Cardoza, 20, of Bourne, were taken into custody on Tuesday morning. Both men have been charged with conspiracy to damage property by means of fire or an explosive and were scheduled to be arraigned in federal court later in the day.
The incident took place early Saturday morning inside the Goldenson Building, located on the Harvard Medical School campus in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area. The facility houses research laboratories and offices for the school’s Department of Neurobiology. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported as a result of the blast.
At a press briefing, U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley addressed public concerns following the revelation that the explosion was intentionally caused.
“Anxiety levels naturally rise when the public learns that an explosion was intentionally caused. I would say those levels may rise even higher in the Boston area,” Foley said. “However, based on current findings, there is no ongoing threat to Harvard University or the surrounding community.”
According to the criminal complaint, surveillance footage and witness statements linked Patterson and Cardoza to the scene. The pair had reportedly been in Boston for Halloween festivities, including events at nearby colleges such as Wentworth Institute of Technology.
On the day of the explosion, surveillance video captured the suspects walking toward the Harvard Medical School complex. Witnesses told investigators that the men selected the Goldenson Building because it “appeared abandoned” and gained access through the roof.
The charging documents allege that the suspects ignited a roman candle outside the facility before placing a cherry bomb inside a locker on the fourth floor. The device later detonated, triggering a fire alarm and prompting a response from university and city police.
“Let me be clear,” said Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Field Office. “Setting off an explosive device inside a locker at an institution dedicated to education and research is not a prank — it’s reckless, it’s dangerous, and it’s a federal crime.”
Neither Foley nor Docks commented on a possible motive, citing the ongoing investigation.
Harvard Medical School officials reported that the blast caused no structural damage, and all laboratory equipment and research materials remained intact. The Boston Fire Department confirmed that the explosion was intentional, and a thorough search of the building revealed no additional explosive devices.
University police stated that an officer responding to the fire alarm observed two individuals fleeing the building shortly after the explosion occurred — a detail that later contributed to identifying the suspects.
Federal investigators, including members of the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), continue to examine the case. Additional charges may be filed pending the outcome of forensic and investigative reviews.
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Brailynn Johnson of Williamsport, who was shot in the early morning hours of November 1 near the intersection of Park Place and First Avenue, according to the Lycoming County Coroner’s Office and the Williamsport Bureau of Police.
Emergency responders transported Johnson to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital, where he was rushed into surgery.
Despite extensive medical efforts, he died in the operating room at 1:27 a.m. from uncontrolled blood loss, Coroner Charles Kiessling confirmed.
An autopsy conducted at Forensic Pathology Associates in Allentown determined that Johnson died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.
The manner of death has been officially ruled a homicide.
As of Monday, no suspects have been identified or taken into custody in connection with the shooting.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death.
Authorities also noted that Johnson’s killing occurred just hours after another 15-year-old boy was shot twice in the chest at a house party only a few blocks away.
That victim survived the attack.
Investigators have not confirmed whether the two shootings are related.
The Williamsport Bureau of Police is urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation remains active and ongoing.