Authorities Call for Public’s Help in Multiple Shooting that Left One Dead

BOSTON, March 7, 2016—The young man shot to death in a vacant apartment on Washington Avenue early yesterday morning has been identified as 19-year-old Pablo Villeda of Chelsea, Police Chief Brian Kyes and District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

Police and prosecutors are asking for the public’s help as they continue to investigate the early-morning shooting, which also left six other young men and women with gunshot wounds. Those victims were three males ages 15, 18, and 22, and three females ages 15, 17, and 18. All are expected to recover from their injuries, as is a seventh survivor who sustained minor injuries while fleeing the gunfire.

Chelsea Police officers responded to the area of 120 Washington Ave. following multiple 911 calls for a disturbance at about 2:40 yesterday morning. On arrival, they found Villeda gravely injured and the other victims suffering injuries that ranged from minor to very serious. Officers immediately began providing medical aid to the victims and called for emergency medical services.

Villeda was transported to Whidden Memorial Hospital, where he died. The surviving victims were treated at the Whidden and Massachusetts General Hospital.

The preliminary investigation by Chelsea Police detectives and State troopers assigned to Conley’s office suggests that the victims and others had attended a party in a vacant apartment when the shots were fired. Troopers from the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, Ballistics Section, Revere barracks, and other assets are also assisting in the investigation.

Anyone with information on Villeda’s death is asked to contact the Suffolk County State Police Detective Unit at 617-727-8817 or Chelsea Police detectives at 617-466-4805. Tipsters may also call the 24-hour CrimeStoppers tip line at 617-466-4880 or submit tips through the Chelsea Police Department’s website at www.chelseapolice.com.

 

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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.