BOSTON, Nov. 28, 2018—Twenty-three-year-old Lodimira DosSantos was shot to death in her Bickford Street home by a former intimate partner in a case of deadly domestic violence, Suffolk County District Attorney John P. Pappas said.

“Domestic violence is about power and domination,” Pappas said. “Lodimira’s murder was committed by a man who could not or would not relinquish control over her, even in the very place she should have been safest – her own home.”

The investigation into her Nov. 19 homicide revealed that Jose M. DosSantos, 32, traveled to the victim’s home that evening armed with knife and a 9mm handgun threatening to kill her and himself. He stabbed a 33-year-old male also present at the scene when that man attempted to intervene on Lodimira DosSantos’ behalf, causing injuries that were not life-threatening; an adult female who was also present was not physically injured.

Witness statements and medical evidence establish that he shot Lodimira and then himself. Their injuries were fatal. Boston Police and Boston EMS responded to the scene and all three injured parties were transported to area hospitals. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Lodimira DosSantos’ death a homicide and Jose DosSantos’ death a suicide.

Records show that the assailant possessed an active license to carry firearms issued in the town of Randolph. He and the victim shared a last name but were not married.

“Domestic violence can take many forms,” Pappas said. “It occurs in relationships of all types, across every demographic. If you or a loved one see the red flags of verbal abuse, controlling behavior, or physical violence, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.”

Pappas said his office and police departments across Suffolk County have experienced investigators sensitive to the needs of domestic violence victims and survivors. The victims of any crime, including domestic violence, should call 911 in an emergency; SafeLink, a statewide DV hotline, can be reached at 877-785-2020. SafeLink is answered by trained advocates 24 hours a day in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, as well as TTY at 877-521-2601. It also has the capacity to provide multilingual translation in more than 140 languages.

–30–

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