The Fourth of July can be a wonderful time of celebration in Boston, but it can also lead to instability and serious violence. Boston Police are trying to locate those responsible for multiple shootings during the celebratory holiday, and local residents are demanding answers. It goes without saying that the authorities are now facing serious pressure to ensure criminal consequences for the people who pulled the triggers. One can only hope that they do not sacrifice due process in their eagerness to provide “results” for the community.
“String of Gun Violence” Reported in Boston Over the Fourth of July
Even before the fireworks began in Boston, gunfire rang out and sent people running for cover. This continued throughout the next few days, leaving two dead. A total of seven people were struck by rounds, and some have been seriously injured.
The first incident occurred at about 1:30 AM on July 5th – while many were still celebrating. Three adults were hit by rounds in Jamaica Plain. About three minutes later, another shooting occurred in Roxbury, causing one death. Witnesses say that they heard approximately seven shots and immediately realized that they were not fireworks.
A few hours passed before a third shooting at a gas station in Dorchester. This incident left one person with “life-threatening injuries.” Shootings continued into broad daylight the next day, and a fourth incident caused one death and two injuries. Police say that shots were fired in Mattapan at around 12:30 PM on July 5th – long after the celebrations had stopped. Police arrived to find two individuals inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds. While one individual survived after being transported to a nearby hospital, the other did not.
Police are Facing Enormous Pressure to Find Those Responsible
Police in Boston are now facing serious pressure to find the people responsible for carrying out these shootings. The community is reeling, and the family members of the deceased individuals are undoubtedly demanding swift justice. One can only hope that they conduct their investigations in a logical, careful manner. It is all too easy to round up people who are only vaguely connected to shootings in Boston to satisfy the mob and their demands for justice.
This pattern is not unique to Boston. Across the nation, numerous shootings occurred during the Fourth of July celebrations. According to AP News, at least 33 people died from gunshot wounds over the course of this 24-hour period.
Find an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Boston
Time and time again, Boston Police have shown a willingness to “round up” numerous suspects after shootings – even if they’re not confident about their involvement. If you were wrongly accused of a shooting, you should get in touch with a Massachusetts defense attorney at your earliest convenience. With help from Edward R. Molari, you can strive for positive results and fight for your rights. Reach out today to book a consultation.