BOSTON — A young man was arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of a 12-year-old boy inside a home in Boston’s Mattapan section on Thursday afternoon.
Walter Hendrick, 22, of Mattapan, is slated to be arraigned Friday in Dorchester District Court on charges including improper storage of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, according to the Boston Police Department.
Officers responding to a reported shooting at 35 Fessenden Street just after 2 p.m. found the 12-year-old victim suffering from an apparent gunshot, city officials said in a press 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 gunshot victim. Multiple sources said the incident appears to have been a tragic accident.
Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said that there is no threat to public safety at this time but did ask for 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 just simply unspeakable.”
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu added, “It’s a horrible tragedy for the entire city whenever one of our young people is lost...For a child this age being lost to gun violence is a nightmare in the summer when our kids should be enjoying, having fun, playing, and growing.”
Emotional neighbors told Boston 25 News the violence needs to end.
“We really need to start holding our people accountable as a community. Because it’s not OK,” said Desiree Martin. “This is not acceptable. And I am truly sorry for what has happened.”
Raniya McCollum, a friend of the victim, said, “I don’t know… he’s not here no more…. He was just here. I was just with him two days ago. I feel sad.”
Anyone with any information related to the shooting is asked to call the homicide division of Boston Police at 617-343-4470.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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