New Bedford official expects swift arrest in woman’s shooting

A 19-year-old woman was shot to death in New Bedford Sunday night and though the police are still investigating, one city official says he expects an arrest will come quickly.

“I really believe they are going to apprehend that person, and soon,” said Ward 4 City Councilor Dana Ribeiro, whose district includes the neighborhood where Sabrina DaSilva was killed.

Although Ribeiro could not comment on an ongoing investigation, she said police were at the hospital after the shooting and that she and community outreach workers had spread out through the neighborhood last night in an effort to reach out to residents.

The shooting came as a “big shock” after the area’s festive Cape Verdean parade on July 2, she said.

“We’re obviously thinking about things we can implement to make it safer for everybody,” Ribeiro said.

Police received numerous 911 calls reporting a female shooting victim on Bedford Street shortly after 10 p.m., according to a press release. Police reportedly found DaSilva — who lived in an apartment at that address — lying in the parking lot with numerous gunshot wounds.

DaSilva was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital, where police say she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The state Medical Examiner’s Office will perform an autopsy today.