Teen Arrested For Take-Out Food Murder
By Natalie Tolomeo

Story Published: Sep 2, 2010 at 6:17 PM EDT



Springfield Police arrest a teenager accused of killing a man who wouldn't turn over his take-out dinner.

The accused killer is only 16 years old. Police say Angel Pantoja killed 25-year-old Adan Perez during an armed robbery. Perez was an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, who didn't have much except for his American dream.

"Nothing was stolen. And then this 16-year-old found it necessary to take his life. Why? We don't know," says Springfield Police Sergeant John Delaney.

Police say Perez had picked up food from a Chinese restaurant near his Orange Street home. That's when police say a group of 5 men, including Pantoja, tried to rob Perez. Police say Pantoja pulled the trigger, sending a deadly bullet into the victim's stomach.

"This is a really good arrest to get this guy in custody because if he shoots the victim over some Chinese food, he could have done it to anybody," says Delaney. "It's unfortunate that this 16-year-old is now going to spend the rest of his life behind bars."

Residents say they'll sleep more soundly knowing police put the accused killer behind bars.

"We really think that it's good police are patrolling the neighborhoods and keeping the streets safe," says resident Jerome Flintroy.

"I guess people are happy that the guy is off the streets," says Kimberly Sanchez. "I feel a lot safer. It's good they caught the kid."

A kid, accused of murder. His mother was crying and heartbroken in Hampden County District Court Thursday afternoon.

"This goes to show that you really need to stay on top of your children and not let children be on top of your household. Gotta get that one on top of the parents," says Flintroy, a father of three.

Pantoja plead not guilty to all charges against him. He will be tried for murder as an adult. The 16-year-old is being held without the right to bail without prejudice.

Springfield Police are still looking for the other four men involved in the armed robbery,

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