One Killed, Seven Injured In Early Morning Chelsea Shooting
CHELSEA (CBS) -- One person was killed and seven people were injured in an early Sunday morning shooting in Chelsea.
Chelsea Police said they responded to a call of multiple people shot in a Washington Street apartment around 2:45 a.m. Sunday.
Police confirmed that a 19-year-old Chelsea man died as a result of gunshot wounds after being taken to Whidden Memorial Hospital. He has not yet been identified.
The injuries sustained by the other seven victims, who were taken to Boston Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital, are not believed to be life-threatening, Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley's office said. Conley's office clarified that six of the seven were shot, while one was injured jumping out of a window.
The other shooting victims were three males, ages 15, 18, and 22, and three females, ages 15, 17, and 18.
A neighbor told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe that she was woken up by the sound of gunfire and a woman's blood-curdling screams.
"It woke me up at 2:39 this morning," said the neighbor. "We heard screaming, 'help me, help me, help him.'"
Some of those shot were found inside a first floor apartment. Others had run outside and were found lying on the street and sidewalk.
Police Chief Brian Kye said Chelsea Police are still trying to determine a motive. He said alcohol and marijuana was found in the empty apartment.
"The first floor adress was a vacant unit," said Kye. "There were a number of individuals in there, there was some alcohol. Whether or not they were using it as an impromptu party place, we're not sure, but it appears that's what probably occurred."
Kye said police were not yet sure whether the shooter was among those injured or was still on the loose.
Residents say that crime in the area is an issue, but they've never seen anything as dangerous as this shooting.
"It's really dangerous and scary where I live," said one resident. "I've been trying to move out, but my husband and I don't have enough money to move."
No arrests have yet been made. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the shootings is being asked to contact Chelsea Police or the Suffolk County State Police Detective Unit.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports