Mom mourning death of 15-year-old son who was fatally shot in Dorchester as police search for gunman

BOSTON — Boston Police continue to search for the suspect of a Dorchester shooting after a teenage boy was killed Wednesday evening.

Curtis Ashford Junior, the young boy whose life was taken Wednesday night, turned 15-year-old earlier this month after just graduating from McCormack Middle School.

Boston 25 spoke with Curtis’s mother who said he was just out playing basketball when he was fatally shot.

“He told me he was at the court playing ball with his friends and I told him to make sure be home by 8 before the lights come on and he texted me back ok and next thing you know I’m getting a call that my son is hurt. Literally minutes from the house,” said Starsha Groce.

Officers were called to 28 Ellington Street near Franklin Park around 7:25 p.m. for a report of a person shot.

When emergency crews arrived at the scene they found Curtis suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

“One homicide is one too many...but when it happens to someone of tender years when it happens to a young teenager, that obviously strikes right at the very heart, and right at the very fabric, of our communities,” Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said at a press conference Wednesday night.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and City Councilor Brian Worrell also spoke at the press conference.

“Anytime there is any incident of gun violence in our community is absolutely unacceptable, and when we see the loss of life, in particular a young child, we are all robbed of the potential of the life that was ahead of this young person,” Wu said.

“We need to stop the violence in our streets,” said Worrell, who grew up in the neighborhood. “It’s going to take all of us.”

Rev. Kevin Peterson and his group, New Democracy Coalition, have been working with city leaders to combat crime. Peterson is counting on the newly selected police commissioner to take bold action when he takes office next month. “The whole community is frustrated that there hasn’t been anyone in charge as far as policing the most vulnerable communities in the city of Boston,” said Peterson.

Ashford’s mother just wants the violence to stop. “Everywhere please I don’t want my son’s name to be unknown. I want everyone to know his name and to help did this to my son to be brought to justice,” said Groce.

Police say it’s unclear what led up to the shooting and if the teen was targeted or if he was an unintended victim.

So far no arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to call the Boston Police Department at (617) 343-4470.

Anonymous tips may be left at the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word TIP to CRIME (27463).

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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