DOUBLE-STABBING SUSPECT HELD ON HIGH BAIL March 12, 2008 The youth charged with stabbing two teenagers at the Roxbury Crossing MBTA station was held on $25,000 cash bail at his arraignment this morning, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley announced. Arrested yesterday by MBTA Transit Police, 18-year-old RENE A. TORRES (D.O.B. 8/21/89) of Roxbury was formally charged with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon this morning in Roxbury Municipal Court. Assistant District Attorney John Powers recommended that he be held on $25,000 cash bail; Judge Edward Redd set bail in that amount and ordered Torres to return to court on April 7. Prosecutors allege that the victims, aged 16 and 18, were riding the Orange Line on the evening of the incident when Torres boarded the same car at Mass Ave station. The victims disembarked at Roxbury Crossing where Torres allegedly approached them on the outbound platform and told one, “Run your phone.” A struggle ensued in which the older victim sustained superficial slash and puncture wounds. The younger victim is said to have helped his friend, at which time Torres allegedly stabbed him four times, including once in the abdomen, causing injuries that were deemed life-threatening. The victims fled the platform. Responding Transit Police and emergency medical technicians located the older victim near the station; the younger victim sought help from a family member who drove him to an area hospital where he underwent exploratory surgery. When that younger victim’s condition appeared grave, Transit Police notified State Police, who have jurisdiction over homicides on MBTA property. When his condition improved, State Police retained their joint role in the investigation to ensure the continuity of information among detectives and support personnel. As a result of that investigation, Torres was identified as a possible suspect early on. Transit and State police focused on him after receiving additional incriminating evidence and surveilled his Slayton Way residence; they placed him under arrest after he walked from that residence into Jackson Square station. In a statement he gave to investigators after being apprised of his Miranda rights, Torres allegedly stated that he had acted in self-defense. Torres was represented today by attorney Kernahan Buck. Return to the Press Releases page.