Dorchester man convicted of killing neighbor who won lottery

A Dorchester man who was convicted of murdering his elderly neighbor in 2018 has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, Suffolk County Prosecutor Kevin Hayden’s office announced Monday.

Last week, a Suffolk County jury found Ramon Rodriguez-Delgado, 48, guilty of first-degree murder for fatally stabbing Marcelino Perez, 77.

“Even though no sentence can ever bring him back to life, this court honored his life by delivering justice on his behalf. We will remember him for the love he gave, the stories he told and the kindness he showed to all,” Perez’s granddaughter said in a victim impact statement.

Rodriguez-Delgado lived in an apartment building across the street from Perez’s apartment on Shandon Road. Before the killing, prosecutors say Rodriguez-Delgado saw a man deliver private lottery winnings to Perez’s apartment.

Prosecutors say that shortly before 2 p.m. on July 26, 2018, Rodriguez-Delgado saw Perez and the man enter the house together and the man leave shortly after. Video surveillance captured Rodriguez-Delgado entering and leaving the residence three times, each time wearing different clothing.

Investigators said Perez was later found in the apartment with multiple stab wounds. Rodriguez-Delgado was arrested in connection with the stabbing on August 27, 2018.

“The love and sadness expressed today by Marcelino Pérez’s granddaughter takes on an even more poignant character given the holiday season, a time when she and the rest of Mr. Pérez’s family would love nothing more than being with the person they clearly adored and admired,” Hayden said in a statement. “I thank the jurors for their verdict and all those who worked to hold this defendant accountable for his cruel act.”