Two Men Sentenced to Life for Murder of Justin Paulo

Jerome Middleton and Khaylon Cruz were sentenced to life in prison for the 2019 murder of 31-year-old Justin Paulo during a robbery in Taunton. Cruz received a life sentence without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, while Middleton was sentenced to life with parole eligibility after 30 years, in addition to other sentences for armed robbery. The attack, which involved multiple stabbings and the theft of Paulo's gold chain, was captured on a Ring doorbell camera, highlighting the role of technology in crime-solving. Prosecutors described the murder as brutal and senseless, with evidence linking both defendants to the scene including DNA from a recovered knife. Middleton was already serving time for an unrelated armed robbery at the time of sentencing. District Attorney Thomas Quinn emphasized the importance of holding the defendants accountable for their actions.