Suspect arraigned in slaying of 14-year-old from Boston

Martin's relatives and their supporters applauded when the decision was announced, but Hearns's attorney, Daniel Beck, said the court had no right to hold his client because prosecutors had not presented any evidence against him.

"Apparently, the new policy of the Suffolk County DA's office is to treat the defense lawyers like mushrooms," he said outside the courthouse.

Prosecutor Ed Krippendorf said during the arraignment that the evidence is sealed because a grand jury investigation is ongoing.

He said police have determined that Hearns, who has an extensive criminal record that includes convictions on drug and weapons charges, approached Martin and another 15-year-old on a basketball court near the Bromley Heath housing project and opened fire before fleeing in a car with associates.

He said Hearns, a reputed gang member, was involved in a feud with a rival gang at the time of the killing, which occurred in broad daylight on May 8. The basketball court was known as the other gang's turf, Krippendorf said.

"But Jaewon Martin was not a gang member," he said.

Martin's relatives, including his mother and grandmother, did not speak to reporters after the arraignment and a victim witness advocate said they would make no public statement today.

Many of his family members and supporters cried during the arraignment.

Hearns is due back in court on Aug. 6 for a probable cause hearing.

Boston police homicide detectives arrested Hearns this morning on a warrant approved by Suffolk prosecutors in the course of an ongoing grand jury investigation, prosecutors said.

Martin's slaying galvanized city leaders in their efforts to combat crime as the summer approached.