News

South Shore Plaza shooting suspect held without bail, faces several charges; police say only 1 shooter

BRAINTREE, Mass. — Braintree Police Chief Mark Dubois said that a 21-year-old man is being held without bail and faces numerous charges after Friday’s shooting at the South Shore Plaza mall, according to an official release on Saturday.

Jose Rodriguez, 21, of Boston, allegedly shot a bystander 15-year-old girl during an altercation. Police said she suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Boston Medical Center.

She was shopping when the shooting happened around 4:43 p.m., according to officials, which they said was a targeted incident of violence and not an active shooter situation.

The mall was locked down and a shelter-in-place was ordered, but eventually both were lifted.

Rodriguez is charged with the following, according to the release:

  • Assault to Murder
  • Assault and Battery by Discharge of Firearm
  • Assault and Battery on Child with Substantial Injury
  • Reckless Endangerment of a Child
  • Carrying Firearm without License
  • Possession of a Firearm without FID Card
  • Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
  • Discharge Firearm within 500 feet of Building
  • Trespass with Firearm

According to officials, Rodriguez is expected to be arraigned at Quincy District Court by video on Monday. He will also be transferred into the custody of the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Department.

A second male suspect was released from police custody, the official statement said. A spokesperson for the Braintree Police Department said there were two shooters, but when police obtained video they found there was only one shooter.

Police continue to investigate the incident.