Man held without bail in 'grisly' death of East Boston man

EAST BOSTON (WHDH) -- A suspect was held without bail in a crime that veteran investigators dubbed one of the grisliest they've ever seen.

Christian Santa, 20, was arraigned in East Boston District Court on Monday morning. He is accused of a single count of murder in the death of 50-year-old John Barrientos on May 4.

Barrientos’ body was found in an alley on Chelsea Street in East Boston. Prosecutors said it began with a night of drinking and then Santa allegedly stabbed Barrientos multiple times in the victim’s basement apartment. Santa then allegedly dragged his body into an alleyway, where the victim was found about an hour later.

Officials said Boston police were dispatched to the area for an apparent heart attack, but when they arrived they found a bloody scene that suggested foul play.

The District Attorney said two bloody fingerprints linked Santa to the murder.

No motive was revealed in court. Santa will return to court on July 27.