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74-year-old grandmother killed in Mattapan triple shooting

BOSTON — Boston Police have identified the elderly woman who was killed in Saturday's triple shooting in Mattapan. The woman, who officials describe as an innocent bystander, has been identified as Eleanor Maloney, 74, of Mattapan, police confirmed to Boston 25.

"This was an innocent woman struck by gunfire," Boston Police Commissioner William Gross said to reporters on Saturday. "It should not be tolerated."

Boston PD responded to the shooting in the area of 10 Mattapan St. just after 5 p.m. on Saturday evening.

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Police and government officials speaking in Mattapan to provide update on triple shooting that left one dead, two wounded on Saturday.

Posted by Boston 25 News on Saturday, April 6, 2019

Upon arrival, law enforcement located three victims, including Maloney. The other two victims - both adult men - sustained non life-threatening injuries and were both transported to area hospitals. They are both expected to survive.

SWAT went door to door looking for the suspect in the hours after the shooting. Part of nearby Blue Hill Avenue was blocked off during the search. Witnesses told police that several shots were fired by someone who was on foot.

"We have officers going house to house clearing every yard hoping to find evidence to facilitate this investigation," Commissioner Gross said.

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Police are still searching for the suspect(s). Commissioner Gross encourages anyone with information relating to this incident to call Boston Police's anonymous tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS.

People who knew the woman killed gathered soon after the shooting. Many were overcome by emotion, including government officials there to provide updates.

"This is a great family that unfortunately experienced a great loss today," said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.

Through that grief, the family of the victim also demanded justice.

"I want to offer this family condolences, but one of them said, 'I'm sick and tired of prayers,' and they are absolutely right," said Suffolk County DA Rachael Rollins. "They deserve accountability, and we have to work harder to make sure that we have a plan about violence."

"Our neighborhoods are better than this, and so this is the time we bond together and show people that this should not be tolerated," said Commissioner Gross. "I'm upset, the mayor is upset, the DA is upset, let's give this family some justice, let's give her some justice."

Maloney's death is now renewing a push by community organizers to create more anti-violence programs in the city.

A 44-year employee at Boston Medical Center, Maloney was a perioperative assistant. She retired in 2015, but remained close to many of her former co-workers.

One of those co-workers, who didn't want his name shared - said he was on his way to see Maloney when she was killed.

"I said, I'm going to go see my grandson, but I'm going to go see Eleanor first and say hi,' because she was always on the porch," he said. "But when I got here I saw all the police cars and ambulance."