Violent night in Dorchester leaves 1 dead, 4 hospitalized

BOSTON — Boston Police are investigating a violent night in Dorchester that left one person dead.

The first incident happened just after 6:30 p.m. on Fayston Street. Officers arrived and found that four adult men had been shot.

Three victims were taken to the hospital while the fourth went to the hospital on their own. One victim is believed to have potentially life threatening injuries.

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Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said the shooting was not likely gang related, as the ages of the victims were spread from 20s to 40s.

"Instead of fighting with their hands, they pulled out guns and there was an exchange of gunfire," Evans said.

Evans said there was a Fourth of July party and a bouncy house with 25 children on it near the shooting, but no one was injured.

"It was just fortunate we didn't have a young kid hit by the crossfire," Evans said.

Wanda Miller, the person who rented the bouncy house for a family party in the side yard of her home said it was for a surprise graduation party for her cousin.

Then, she heard multiple gunshots around 6:30 p.m.

"I thought they were firecrackers," Miller said. "When I came downstairs, I could hear my cousins screaming."

Mayor Marty Walsh said the silence about the whole situation created some disappointment.

"The frustrating thing about it is not one of them is talking," Walsh said.

Three hours later, a man was shot in the head in the area of Brookford and Dacia streets.

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He was taken to Boston Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Police say while they were out investigating the first shooting, a neighbor released a pit bull which attacked officers. Police shot and killed the dog.

"I tried to grab her," Shirley Goode, the dog's owner, said. "She zipped across the street, right in the middle of the police guys. He wasn't being threatened. He didn't jump, he didn't look like he was in fear. They heard me calling the dog."

In a statement on the night, Evans said his team was faced with "numerous obstacles."

"Last night my officers were faced with numerous obstacles while securing and processing the crime scene on Fayston Street," the full statement read. "In addition to the constant barrage of illegal fireworks in the vicinity, an unleashed viscous dog charged at my officers as well as other adults and children in the neighborhood creating an immediate danger."

"We hate to harm any animal, but my officer was forced to make a split-second decision thinking clearly, quickly, and decisively to use his firearm in a safe and effective manner to prevent injury to the officers and civilians on scene."

Boston Police are actively investigating both shootings. If anyone has information, you're asked to call Boston Police CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).

Cox Media Group