BOSTON – A juvenile was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old boy inside a home in the Mattapan section of Boston Thursday afternoon.
Walter Hendrick, 22, of Mattapan, will be arraigned Friday in Dorchester District Court on charges including improper storage of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, according to the Boston Police Department and illegal possession of ammunition.
Officers responding to a reported shooting at 35 Fessenden St. shortly after 2 p.m. found the 12-year-old victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, city officials said at a news conference. The victim, who has not been identified, was rushed to a hospital where he eventually died from his injuries.
Boston 25 News is working to learn Hendrick’s connection to the shooting victim. Several sources said the incident appeared to have been a tragic accident.
Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said there is no threat to public safety at this time, but he did ask community members to turn in their guns.
“Unfortunately, we’re here on another sad and tragic afternoon that, frankly, stems from too many guns on the street,” Hayden said. “A young loss of life like this is simply unacceptable. It’s tragic and simply unspeakable.”
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu added: “It’s a horrible tragedy for the entire city every time one of our young people is lost… For a child of this age to be lost to violence armada is a nightmare in the summer when our children should be enjoying, fun, playing and growing.”
Emotional neighbors told Boston 25 News the violence has to stop.
“We really need to start holding our people accountable as a community. Because it’s not right,” Desiree Martin said. “This is not acceptable. And I’m sorry for what happened.”
Raniya McCollum, a friend of the victim, said: “I don’t know … he’s not here anymore … He was just here. I was with him two days ago. I feel sad.”
Anyone with information related to the shooting is asked to call the Boston Police Department’s homicide division at 617-343-4470.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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