BOSTON, MA — Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden described the recent arrests of two men with multiple prior gun convictions as indicative of “a small group of repeat offenders” contributing to the illegal gun problem in Boston. Both men are being held without bail after being apprehended in unrelated traffic stops.
The comments from Hayden follow fatal shootings of two men in Boston on Friday and Saturday. Investigations into both cases are ongoing.
Daniel Larkins, 40, of Boston, faces multiple charges, including carrying a firearm without a license for the fourth time and firearm violation with three prior violent or drug crimes. Judge Erika Reis ordered Larkins held without bail, with a court appearance scheduled for November 8.
On October 8, police pulled over Larkins after observing his vehicle run a stop line and accelerate at high speed. A search of the vehicle revealed a pistol and a large quantity of commercial fireworks. Larkins has served two sentences for prior firearm convictions.
Jamison Gatson, 27, also of Boston, faces numerous charges, including carrying a firearm without a license for the third time and possession to distribute a Class A substance. Judge Joseph Griffin ordered Gatson held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on October 20.
Gatson was stopped on October 12 after officers observed his vehicle speeding and failing to stop at a stop sign. A subsequent search uncovered a loaded .45 Caliber Glock 30, a Taser, and suspected cocaine. Gatson has served a state prison sentence for firearm-related offenses.
Hayden emphasized the arrests as evidence of a cycle of recidivism that society needs to address. “These cases highlight the need to recognize the concentration of guns among a core group of individuals and to find ways to b