Braintree, MA – A peaceful evening turned into a night of horror when Jared Ravizza, 26, allegedly launched a brutal stabbing spree at the AMC Braintree 10 movie theater, targeting four young girls aged 9 to 17. Witnesses described Ravizza’s behavior as maniacal, likening his laughter to that of the infamous Joker character from popular culture. The unprovoked assault has left the community in shock and the young victims traumatized.
On the evening of May 25, around 6 p.m., four girls aged 9 to 17 eagerly settled into their seats to watch the PG-rated movie IF, a family-friendly film starring Ryan Reynolds. They had just bought popcorn, nachos, and other snacks, preparing for an enjoyable evening. The theater was nearly empty, with just the four friends present. Suddenly, their night took a terrifying turn.
Without warning, Ravizza, who had managed to sneak into the theater, began his attack. According to police reports, he approached the girls from behind and started stabbing them. One of the victims, recounting the harrowing experience from her hospital bed, described feeling a sudden “poke” in her back, followed by a rush of pain and confusion.
“I turned my head to the left and saw all of them get stabbed,” she told police. “He laughed at us, sounded like the Joker, and ran out.” Witnesses described Ravizza as having long blonde hair and wearing an oversized trench coat and sunglasses.
Lisa Dembowski, the mother of three of the victims, received a frantic call from her sister. “Honestly, I just got in my car and headed right there,” she told WCVB 5 in Boston. Upon arrival, she was shocked to see the theater still operational, with patrons unaware of the tragedy that had just occurred.
“They had just sat down. They had just got their concessions,” Dembowski said. “I guess he came up behind them in the row. They were in the second row, and he came up behind them. My oldest leaned over to get something; he got her in the back. My other daughter in the chest. My last daughter across her arm — laughing the whole time — got their friend and ran off.”
The quick thinking of the theater employees helped mitigate further injuries. They moved the wounded girls to a storage room, applying gauze to their injuries and calling for emergency services. One girl required extensive medical treatment, including 20 external and 12 internal stitches for a severe arm wound. All four girls were hospitalized but are expected to survive.
The Second Attack
Ravizza’s rampage did not end at the theater. Approximately an hour later, a second attack was reported at a McDonald’s inside a Plymouth rest stop. Ravizza allegedly reached through the drive-thru window and stabbed a 29-year-old man before entering the restaurant and attacking a 21-year-old woman. Both victims were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities launched a manhunt for Ravizza, who fled the scene in a black Porsche SUV. Surveillance footage allowed investigators to obtain a license plate number, leading to a high-speed chase that ended when Ravizza crashed his vehicle in Sandwich, Massachusetts. Police arrested him at approximately 7:15 p.m. and transported him to a hospital for treatment.
Ravizza is also linked to a murder investigation in Deep River, Connecticut, where a 70-year-old man was found dead earlier that day. Connecticut State Police had issued an alert, describing Ravizza as “armed and dangerous” with a 10-inch knife. The connection between the incidents is still under investigation, but Ravizza faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
The impact of the attack has left deep emotional scars on the young victims and their families. “They don’t want to go to the movies ever again,” Dembowski said. “They are physically fine. Kids are resilient. But I think they are terrified that they could just go to a movie on a Saturday night, which could happen. Someone could just walk into a movie theater and do this.”
Dembowski praised the actions of first responders and medical staff. She also commended her oldest daughter for acting quickly to calm the younger girls during the chaotic situation. “More and more this is happening, and it makes parents sick to bring their kids anywhere or let them go anywhere without them,” she said. “I hope he gets what he deserves. I understand mental health. I’m a counselor. I understand it. I think it’s a pretty sick individual to harm children.”
The Braintree community is grappling with the aftermath of the shocking incident. The AMC Braintree 10 movie theater has increased security measures and supports those affected by the attack. Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Legal Proceedings
Ravizza pleaded not guilty to all charges during his Plymouth County District Court arraignment. He was taken to Bridgewater State Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation over the next 20 days. He faces several charges in Plymouth, including assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The arraignment related to the Braintree theater attack is pending the outcome of his psychiatric evaluation. Ravizza is due back in court on June 17.
The terrifying spree has left an indelible mark on the victims, their families, and the community. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on supporting the recovery of the young girls and ensuring justice is served. The incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and the need for robust mental health support to prevent such tragedies in the future.
In the wake of the attack, the local community has rallied to support the victims and their families. Fundraisers and community events have been organized to help cover medical expenses and provide emotional support. Local counselors and mental health professionals offer free services to those affected by the trauma.
Parents in Braintree are now more cautious about allowing their children to go out unaccompanied. Many have called for increased security measures in public places, particularly in entertainment venues frequented by families. The police have responded by increasing patrols and presence in such areas, aiming to reassure the community and prevent future incidents.
The investigation into Ravizza’s actions and potential motives continues. Law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts and Connecticut are working together to organize the timeline of events and understand the broader context of his crime spree. Ravizza’s background, mental health history, and possible connections to other crimes are being scrutinized.
The Massachusetts attacks happened about 2.5 hours after Ravizza allegedly killed a 70-year-old Connecticut man and threw a shovel through another Connecticut neighbor’s front window. What sparked the confrontation is part of an active investigation. Charges are pending in Connecticut, state police said.
Despite the fear and trauma, the Braintree community remains resilient. Local leaders and residents are determined not to let this incident define their town. Community meetings are being held to discuss safety measures and provide a platform for residents to voice their concerns and suggestions.
The support from neighboring communities has been overwhelming, with messages of solidarity and offers of help pouring in from all over the state. This collective resilience and support are crucial for healing and rebuilding a sense of safety and normalcy.
The horrifying events of May 25 have left a lasting impact on Braintree and beyond. As the community mourns and begins the healing process, there is a renewed focus on mental health awareness, public safety, and community support. The road to recovery will be long, but with continued vigilance and support, the town of Braintree will emerge stronger and more united than ever.
