For Immediate Release

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Randolph Police Arrest Two After Facebook Marketplace Robbery

Victims Agreed to Purchase iPhones via Facebook Marketplace and were Robbed Upon Arrival

RANDOLPH — Chief William Pace reports that the Randolph Police Department arrested two men on armed robbery and other charges after they lured two men to a home under the premise of selling them an iPhone and robbed them at gunpoint.

KAVON X. WASHINGTON, AGE 18, OF MATTAPAN and LORENZO EDWARD MURPHY, AGE 18, OF RANDOLPH were arrested and each charged with:

• Armed Robbery (Two Counts)
• Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (Two Counts)
• Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
• Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
• Receiving Stolen Property over $250

On Monday evening, May 8, officers responded to Maple Street for a report of an armed robbery. A pair of victims told officers that they had gone to the address after agreeing to purchase an iPhone via Facebook Marketplace, only to be robbed at gunpoint of cash and a rose gold colored iPhone.

Officers then began a search for the suspects using a K-9, which quickly tracked a path toward the basement door to MURPHY’s home, where both suspects are ultimately located.

After obtaining a search warrant for MURPHY’s home, officers found the rose gold iPhone stolen from one of the victims, a second iPhone that indicated it was lost upon being powered on, cash and credit cards belonging to a variety of individuals.

Additionally, a loaded .45 caliber handgun, which was reported stolen out of Bangor, Maine, was located within the insulation of the basement during the search.

“I commend our officers for quickly and thoroughly investigating this robbery and taking a illegal firearm off of our streets,” Chief Pace said. “I encourage anyone seeking to buy something off of the internet to take great care in confirming the identities of the people they’re dealing with before meeting them.”

Officers from Quincy and Canton aided in the investigation.

Both suspects were held pending arraignment in Quincy District Court.

Members of the public are reminded that they may use the lobby of the Randolph Police Department to safely conduct online purchases and sales. The lobby is under video surveillance and is open 24/7. 

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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