BOSTON – In a tragic incident late Monday night, a mother and her 2-year-old son were shot in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood. The shooting occurred around 11:40 p.m. at the intersection of Stratton and Ames Streets. Responding officers discovered the mother and child suffering from gunshot wounds in a nearby driveway.
The 24-year-old mother sustained a gunshot wound to her torso, while her son was critically injured with a gunshot to the head. Both were transported to separate hospitals for emergency treatment. As of now, neither the mother nor the child has been identified, and their current conditions remain uncertain. The authorities have not yet made any arrests, and a thorough search of the area for evidence was conducted throughout the night.
Family’s Response and Community Impact
Fatima Depina Ortiz, the grandmother of the injured child and mother, spoke to the media, expressing her hope for their recovery. Ortiz described the incident as occurring after her daughter and grandson had returned from visiting a friend’s house. Despite the gravity of the situation, Ortiz remained optimistic about their survival. “Now my daughter is OK. My grandson is doing well. I believe in God and justice, so thank you everybody for praying for my family,” Ortiz said. She added that she forgives the shooter and intends to pray for them, stating, “Love him. I’m going to pray for him.”
The shooting has deeply shocked the local community, which is known for its large number of families and children. Neighbors reported heightened anxiety and concern following the incident. One resident described hearing multiple gunshots, noting, “This is the first time something like this has happened, so it makes me very anxious because my brother literally goes to school right across the park.”
Another neighbor indicated that their Ring camera may have captured footage related to the shooting, which could be crucial for the ongoing investigation.
Police and Public Response
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox condemned the act as “heinous” and “cowardly,” expressing disbelief over the targeting of a mother and young child. “I can’t think of any reason why somebody would want to shoot a female and a young child for any reason, so we really need the public’s help and support on this one,” Cox said during a press briefing. He urged anyone with video footage or information about the incident to come forward. “This happened outside in a driveway area, and we certainly would like anyone who’s seen anything or has heard anything, or any video, to please contact us.”
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for community support in resolving the case. “There’s no possible reason for violence in our city, especially when it comes to young people and our very young children. So, I’m horrified to hear the news,” Wu stated. She reassured the public that the police department is diligently working on the investigation. “I know the police department is working through their investigation. They have good information but are continuing to ask for the public’s help and support,” she said. The mayor confirmed that all available resources are being utilized to ensure accountability in this case. “We are pushing out every resource that we can, particularly to make sure there’s accountability in this case,” Wu added.
Conclusion
The shooting in Dorchester has sent ripples of shock and concern through the Boston community. As the investigation continues, the police are calling on the public to assist in gathering any information or evidence that may lead to the apprehension of the perpetrator. With the safety of the community at stake, both local authorities and residents are united in their effort to ensure justice and prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
