Dot shootings show cops’ need for tips
Detectives ask public to aid investigations
Boston police reiterated yesterday the need for tips from the public as they investigate the fatal shooting of two Cape Verdean men in Dorchester, an appeal made hours before detectives returned to the neighborhood to probe a similar shooting that cops say left a man hospitalized.
“Obviously, we’re looking for community members to come forward with information that might help in the investigation,” police spokesman David Estrada said of the BPD effort to find out who shot the men as they were driving in the area of Eastman and Elder streets about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Officers responding to a report of shots fired found the car the men were riding in engulfed in flames; both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Commissioner William B. Evans later said the incident appeared to be gang-related. Evans speculated the incident could be related to a June bust of more than two dozen members of the Wendover Street and Cameron Street gangs — two feuding Cape Verdean gangs in Dorchester.
“And that’s why we need people to step up, or we will have more bloodshed,” Evans said at the time, “When you have one shooting, it usually leads to retaliation.”
Detectives were back in Dorchester yesterday afternoon investigating another reported shooting. This time, a man was grazed by a bullet around 3 p.m. on Draper Street, Estrada said. The victim, whose name was not released last night, was taken to Boston Medical Center.
In the hours after yesterday’s shooting, investigators could be seen photographing numerous bullet holes in an Acura sedan that had come to a stop on Adams Street between Arcadia Street and Dorchester Avenue. But Estrada said it was too early to tell whether the tw o shootings were connected.
“It’s the same old same old,” said Domingos Da- Rosa, an at-large city council candidate who knew the two victims in Wednesday’s shooting. “There’s cameras all over these areas, and no one seems to see anything.”
Police are asking anyone with information about either incident to call (617) 343-4470. Residents looking to provide anonymous tips can call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at (800) 494-TIPS, or text the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463).