BOSTON — The man accused of killing a pedestrian with an SUV in Roxbury appeared in court on murder charges Friday morning after new details were released on the case.
The victim was identified as Thomas J. Ruffen, 39, and his suspected killer, Maximo Mazanett, 54 of Hyde Park was accused of intentionally running him over with his car. Officials said that Ruffen and Mazanett did not know each other. He is being held on a $250,000 cash bail.
Ruffen’s niece Tatiana Magazine was emotional outside after the arraignment. “Everyone knows him in Boston. He was the best person alive,” said Magazine.
Mazanett is an MBTA bus operator who was hired in 2017 but has since been suspended, according to officials.
The crash happened in the area of Columbus Avenue and Richie Street near the Jackson Square stop in the city’s Roxbury neighborhood.
The Assistant District Attorney Mark Zanini said the security footage obtained by police captured Ruffen having difficulty walking from his Jackson Square residence toward Columbus Avenue at approximately 4:30 a.m. Thursday.
An operator of a bus observed Ruffen lying on the right lane of the roadway and came to a stop in the center lane.
Mazanett, operating a 2011 Ford Explorer, came to a stop immediately in front of Ruffen’s body. The operator of the bus can be seen on surveillance video yelling and pointing to Mazanett, informing him that there is a person in the road in front of his vehicle, according to officials. Police say Mazenett yelled back “[expletive] you, I work for the city.”
Despite Mazanett knowing Ruffen was in front of him, he allegedly reversed his vehicle several feet, waited for the light to turn green, and then drove over the victim’s body dragging him across four lanes.
“The decisions made by this defendant are so heartless and pitiless they’re difficult to comprehend. Instead of waiting for an unusual roadway situation to be resolved, he made the decision to drive forward, knowing full well the consequences involved. That unfathomable action ended the victim’s life and dramatically altered his own,” District Attorney Hayden said.
Neil Tassel is Mazanett’s defense attorney. “He was in a high vehicle, it was dark, the man was in dark clothing and unfortunately it was just a tragic accident,” said Tassel.
Police say Mazanett told them it was dark and he did not see anyone in the road.
Mazanett will be back in court on September 14.
Several community activists groups that worked with Ruffen shared memories. One group saying he has a servant’s heart. “That was his passion. He wanted to give people a voice,” said a friend.
The Boston police homicide unit is leading the investigation. There are no additional details available at this time.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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