2 arrested for Springfield home invasion-murder

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Two men have been arrested for a home invasion murder in Springfield that happened back in August.

Springfield Police Sgt. John Delaney told 22News that Ashton Hennessey, 21, Joseph Watkins, 23, both of Springfield were arrested for their alleged role in the August 17 shooting of Nicholas Ruiz-Gomez , who later died in the hospital.

Delaney says that two armed suspects broke into 90-92 Commonwealth Avenue, that night. The 29 year-old Ruiz-Gomez was shot in the head during the home invasion, while another victim was shot in the leg.

Homicide detectives have been investigating the case since then.

Watkins, who Delaney says police spotted driving a stolen minivan, was arrested early Tuesday morning following a car chase through Springfield where in which seven police officers were assaulted.

Hennessey was arrested Wednesday morning by members of the warrant apprehension squad. Delaney says Hennessey was found hiding under the rear stairwell of a home on Miller Street.

Both men are now charged with murder, home invasion, and armed assault with intent to murder. Both men were ordered held without bail following their arraignments Wednesday in Springfield District Court.

Hennessey will be back in court on October 31, while Watkins will return to court on November 1.