Jonathan Sanon’s relatives are remembering a smiling, gentle man while questioning how the accused attacker had returned to the community.
BOSTON, MA — The family of a 35-year-old Norwood man killed near Boston Common is mourning a beloved son and brother as the man accused in the attack remains held without bail and undergoes a court-ordered mental health evaluation.
Boston police identified the victim as Jonathan Sanon. Officers found him suffering from trauma near the intersection of Boylston and Tremont streets shortly after 5 a.m. July 22. Emergency medical workers took him to Tufts Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Police later charged Ashlie Jeremie, 27, of Bedford, with murder in connection with Sanon’s death.
Sanon’s stepfather, Moliere Desrosiers, said the family is struggling to understand the sudden loss. He described Sanon as a gentle person who was often smiling and emphasized that the victim was more than the subject of a crime report. “The attack may be random, but he’s not a random guy,” Desrosiers told WBZ-TV. “He’s my son, and I’m going to miss him, beautiful kid.”
The family is preparing for Sanon’s funeral while facing an absence Desrosiers said will be felt each time the family gathers. “I know my life will never be the same after that, never,” he said. Desrosiers also questioned why a person with a reported history of violence and mental health concerns was free before the attack. Authorities have not publicly announced a motive, and the case remains under investigation.
Police said a second assault occurred about four hours after Sanon was found. Officers responded near John F. Kennedy Surface Road and Beach Street, where another man had allegedly been approached from behind and struck with a metal pole. That victim was taken to a hospital for treatment. Officers arrested Jeremie nearby and said investigators later connected him to the earlier incident near Boston Common.
Jeremie has been charged with murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and larceny under $1,200. He pleaded not guilty during an appearance in Boston Municipal Court. A judge ordered him held without bail and sent him to Bridgewater State Hospital for an evaluation of whether he is competent to participate in the court proceedings.
A court psychologist said Jeremie had previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder with psychotic features and had reported that he was no longer taking prescribed medication. The psychologist recommended a 20-day evaluation after Jeremie declined to participate in an initial screening, according to reports from his arraignment. The diagnosis and evaluation do not determine guilt or establish a motive for the attacks.
Court records show Jeremie had been released from federal custody July 6, 16 days before Sanon’s death. Federal authorities had charged him after he allegedly tried to enter a government building in May with a backpack containing a loaded handgun. Jeremie reportedly said he had found the backpack and did not know the weapon was inside. He was released after being ordered to post an unsecured $2,500 bond.
The killing has also renewed concerns about safety in downtown Boston. Neighborhood representatives and city officials have called for additional police resources and a sustained response to recent violence. Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn said residents and workers have reported feeling unsafe, while a downtown neighborhood group has asked officials to reconvene a task force created to address violent crime.
Boston police said homicide detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sanon’s death. Jeremie is scheduled to return to court Aug. 11. Until then, Sanon’s family is focused on honoring a man Desrosiers said will be deeply missed and on seeking answers about the events that led to his death.
Author note: Last updated Aug. 2, 2026.