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.
Crime
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.