After fatal shooting in Mattapan, BPD Commissioner says too many repeat offenders are on the street

BOSTON — A man in his mid-20s is dead after a shooting in Mattapan Thursday morning. Boston Police are still working to make an arrest. The shooting comes after a recent uptick in crime throughout the city.

Boston Police Commissioner William Gross responded to the scene saying the uptick comes from repeat offenders being let out of prison early.

“I’m not making stuff up folks. I’m a 37-year veteran. I can tell you what the mentality on the street is and so can several people in the neighborhood. They can tell you right now that the mentality is that ‘we can do what we want,’” Gross said.

The shooting happened at 9 a.m. on Blue Hill Avenue and Hazelton Street near an auto body shop.

“I just heard ‘Pop, pop, pop, pop,‘” Royce White, who lives nearby, said.

“I would like to say that I was shocked but I really wasn’t. A little dismayed is the word. Like, I can’t believe someone is shooting at 9 o’ clock on a Thursday morning. Like what? What is going on,” she added.

Gross said there are too many repeat offenders on the street, referencing District Attorney Rachel Rollins’ decision to release certain people from jail earlier this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It just bolsters the confidence of repeat violent offenders,” he said. “We’re not going to take that. We’re going to continue our fight. I just hope that other people, instead of criticizing, defunding or whatever, get out here and work with the Boston Police and the neighborhoods so that when people commit violent acts of crime that they’re held accountable,” Gross added.

Gross thanked the community who have stepped up in recent months and reported crime but says the force needs support from other outlets as well.

“When I say accountability I mean police, district attorney,” Gross said.

Gross ended his statements to the media by urging the public to get out and vote.

“Remember folks, your vote counts. Your voice counts and your vote counts,” he said.

Boston 25 reached out to Rollins’ office for comment and are still waiting to hear back.

Anyone with any information about the shooting is asked to call Boston Police.

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