WORCESTER — On Tuesday, a Worcester man was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the eligibility of parole for the 2021 murder of two Worcester brothers, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.
Christopher Burns, 42, was convicted by a Worcester Superior Court jury on June 9, 2026, of two counts of first-degree murder.
“This verdict is the result of years of dedicated work by the investigators and prosecutors committed to seeking justice for the victims and their family,” Early said following the conviction.
The conviction stems from the December 8, 2021 fatal shootings of 27-year-old Marcus A. Thibodeau and 35-year-old James M. Johnson. Thibodeau and Johnson were shot outside of the former Diamond Inn on Grafton Street in Worcester.
Burns was initially charged and arraigned on April 13, 2022, in Worcester District Court and held without bail. He was indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury on September 29, 2022.
The evidence presented at trial established that the brothers were targeted in a case of mistaken identity and had no prior interaction or connection with Burns.
“While nothing can undo the pain suffered by Marcus and James’ loved ones, I hope today’s sentence provides them with a measure of justice,” said Early. “I want to thank the Worcester Police Department, Assistant District Attorneys Timothy Westerman and Michael Travers, and Victim Witness Advocate Maria Deyette for their professionalism and dedication throughout this case.”
-Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr
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