One arrested in New Bedford VFW slaying

By Jenna Nierstedt, Globe Correspondent

Police arrested a 27-year-old New Bedford man today and charged him in the fatal shooting of another man Tuesday night at the VFW Hall in New Bedford, the Bristol County district attorney’s office and New Bedford police said

Adam Pina was charged with murder in the death of 41-year-old Wayne Rice of New Bedford, according to a joint statement from District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter and New Bedford Police Chief Ronald Teachman.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a fight had broken out inside the VFW Hall prior to the shooting, officials said. At some point during the fight, authorities said, Pina took out a gun and shot Rice.

The victim was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.

Pina is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow in New Bedford District Court.