Cambridge Police answer questions after violent week

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Following a homicide, an armed robbery and an assault within a week police held a public safety meeting with residents at the Cambridgeport Elementary School.

“I really feel sad that we have to be here,” said Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons. “But, I'm glad that we're here as a community to support one another.”

Police Commissioner Branville G. Bard told roughly two dozen people in attendance that there was little officers could say about the murder of 28-year-old Malachi Mims because of the open investigation into his death.

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Bard assured residents that his death was not connected to that of Ednilson DaCosta of Dorchester who was shot and killed while in a vehicle on Windsor Street on Oct.14.

There were a lot of questions for police ranging from drugs to gun control to homicides. Officers released crime data that list ten shooting incidents in 2017, one fewer than all of 2016. In 2015, Cambridge Police records show a total of seven shootings.

The shooting of Mims on Nov. 16 was far from the only violent incident in Cambridge of late.

Earlier this week, officers investigated an armed robbery on Franklin Street in which they say two men demanded money from another man at gunpoint. Last Tuesday, officers were called to an assault on Green Street.

>>PREVIOUS: Cambridge police looking for 2 suspects after armed robbery

Police credit the public with helping them develop information to solve cases, and urged those listening to continue. Bard said he was impressed by the turnout and questions being asked during the meeting.

“I was very encouraged because it means the community is really engaged and willing to work with us,” he said.

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