Fatal Shooting in Massachusetts Results in Death of Newborn After Mother Among Those Injured

A fatal shooting incident in Holyoke, a city in western Massachusetts, led to the tragic death of a newborn who was delivered after the mother was among multiple individuals struck by bullets, according to local authorities.

The expecting mother was critically injured in the afternoon while aboard a public bus and was subsequently rushed to the hospital, as reported by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office.

“The newborn, post-delivery and despite the provision of urgent medical treatment, unfortunately succumbed,” the office further stated.

Law enforcement agencies responded to the event at 12:38 p.m., indicating that a dispute involving three male suspects preceded the firing of the gunshots.

The District Attorney’s Office confirmed that all the suspects linked to the incident had been identified, hospitalized, and are presently in custody. No additional details regarding their medical conditions were disclosed. The identities of the injured woman and those involved in the shooting have yet to be made public.

Dave Procopio, a spokesperson for the State Police, earlier mentioned that the incident originated from “a disagreement among individuals on the street.”

Brandy Pelletier, a spokesperson for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, verified that a bus from their agency was on its scheduled route when it became embroiled in the shooting. However, Pelletier refrained from making any additional comments due to the ongoing investigation.

The investigation is being carried out by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the Holyoke Police Department.

Authorities confirmed receiving a 911 emergency call about the incident near the crossing of Sargeant and Maple Streets, and also mentioned that they were alerted by ShotSpotter technology. In response, State Police dispatched patrol units, K-9 teams, and investigative units to assist the Holyoke Police in their investigation and in the search for suspects in the vicinity.

Joshua A. Garcia, the Mayor of Holyoke, expressed his deep condolences to the family of the victim in a public statement on social media. He also conveyed his exasperation and frustration regarding the ongoing violence and unlawful activities plaguing the city.

“I am struggling each day to find a balanced resolution. To be blunt, my patience has run out. I am committed to utilizing all resources at my disposal to eradicate this senseless violence from our community,” Garcia stated.

Located approximately 90 miles (145 kilometers) west of Boston, Holyoke has a population of nearly 38,000 residents and is also the location of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame.

Contributions to this story were made by AP writer Lisa Baumann, reporting from Bellingham, Washington.

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More about Fatal Shooting in Holyoke

• Hampden District Attorney’s Office
• Massachusetts State Police
• Holyoke Police Department
• Pioneer Valley Transit Authority
• Official Statement from Mayor Joshua A. Garcia
• International Volleyball Hall of Fame