Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

Two Arrested Under Questionable Circumstances After Fatal Shooting in Dorchester

Although Northeastern University states that Boston homicides are down 82% in 2024, fatal shootings continue to occur. Even a single fatal shooting in a major US city is a tragedy, and it is difficult to tell a grieving family that these incidents are just “part and parcel” of living in a busy metropolitan area. It is arguably even more tragic when innocent people are accused of carrying out these shootings on extremely shaky evidence. A recent shooting in Dorchester raises questions about criminal justice in Boston.  

Bail Denied for Two Men Accused of Carrying Out Fatal Shooting

In December of 2024, 7 News reported that two men had been denied bail after being accused of carrying out a fatal shooting in Dorchester. Police say that the two 25-year-olds were spotted in the immediate vicinity of the shooting at around 10:30 PM. When spotted by police walking out of an alley, the defendants allegedly fled. After a short pursuit, the pair were apprehended. 

Officers then conducted a search of the area where the men had been, recovering two firearms in the process. The implication is that the firearms belonged to the two defendants, and they were subsequently arrested on various weapons charges. These include unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of a large-capacity feeding device. Court documents state that one officer was injured during the arrest, although it’s not clear whether this injury occurred due to violence or some kind of accident during the pursuit. 

The shooting in question claimed the life of a 37-year-old man. The pair were denied bail because the court determined they were too dangerous to be released. Perhaps most notably, the police did not reveal whether the pair had actually carried out the shooting. The charges are related to unlawful gun possession – and not homicide. This indicates that investigators need additional evidence in order to tie these men to the murder. 

Is There Any Reason to Believe These Men Carried Out the Murder?

One has to remember that Dorchester is a heavily populated area. Like any other major city in the United States, Boston has a high population density – and you can expect to find many people walking nearby after a shooting in one of its neighborhoods. 

One has to wonder whether these two individuals were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. Upon seeing the officers, they may have fled purely out of instinct – or for a reason totally unrelated to the murder. 

It is also not clear why the police are so certain that the men tossed the two firearms while fleeing. The real murderers may have tossed these weapons at around the same time. During the mayhem and frantic pursuits after this fatal shooting, numerous people may have been fleeing for safety – mixed in with the real murderers. 

Can an Experienced Defense Attorney Help With Gun Charges in Boston?

If you have been accused of participating in a shooting in Boston, you should speak with a defense lawyer who has experience with gun violence. These legal professionals can quickly point out the questionable manner in which you were arrested – and they may be able to fight for your rights effectively. To learn more about potential defense strategies, contact Edward R. Molari today.