August 10, 2017
Two men were killed Wednesday night in an apparent shooting incident near the corner of Eastman and Elder streets near Edward Everett Square.
The victims were found in a car engulfed in flames just before 10:30 p.m., according to Boston Police, who say officers responded to the scene for a report of gunshots.
"The two male occupants of the vehicle were pronounced deceased at the scene. It was later determined that the occupants had suffered gunshot wounds and had crashed the vehicle," a police statement read.
A neighbor who spoke to the Reporter about the incident — but did not want to be named— said six gunshots rang out on the street moments before the car crashed.
The resident said that the street has experienced "chronic problems" with young people congregating day and night, blocking sidewalks and — allegedly—selling drugs. Boston Police are aware of the situation and have stepped up enforcement on the street periodically, curbing problems temporarily, but without lasting effect, she said.
"It's extremely frustrating," she said.
Boston Police said Thursday that they believe the shooting to be gang-related. After a regional gun violence summit in Boston, Police Commissioner Willam Evans said they hoped the incident would not spark additional bloodshed.
"What we worry about now and what we're gearing up for is the retaliation factor," Evans said at the press conference.
Anyone with information about last night's murders is asked to call 617-343-4470 or the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800)494-TIPS.
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