Thursday, 4:30 PM
Statement by Suffolk District Attorney about child shot on I-93
Last night the City of Boston was witness once again to an act of violence that defies reason or rationale. A five year old – a true innocent - was struck by a bullet, fired from a gun in the hands of someone who clearly has no concept of life or its value.
At approximately 9 o'clock p.m., a 2005 Honda Accord with 4 occupants – a 5 year old child already publicly identified as Sheldon Mathias, his mother, also publicly identified already as Brooke Mathias, her boyfriend, Antonio Suggs, and another male associate were traveling northbound on I-93 when a second vehicle that had been following them came alongside and fired a number of shots at their car. The vehicle was struck, its rear passenger window shattered and, most significantly, the five year old was hit.
The driver of the vehicle, Ms. Mathias, drove directly to the State Police barracks in Medford where Antonio Suggs told police a child had been shot. Medford fire and EMTs responded, the child was transported to Mass. General Hospital where he arrived in serious condition, suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso. He was treated and, thankfully, his condition has been upgraded to fair and is expected to make a full recovery.
In the initial stages when it was unclear where the exact location of the shooting was, State Police from both Middlesex County and Suffolk County began a joint investigation. It has since been determined that the shooting occurred in Boston, in the vicinity of I-93 and the Route 1 off-ramp near Sullivan Square.
Prior to the shooting, and has been reported, the victims’ vehicle had been at Harbor Point in Dorchester where they were dropping off another friend. It was here that the individual who was dropped off reportedly saw someone approach the Honda and when it pulled away got into another car, with as many as four individuals in it, and began following her.
We are presently searching for information about this other vehicle, described as either silver or gray, possibly in the style of a Pontiac Grand Am. Anyone with information or who may have seen anything is asked to call State Police at 617 727-8817.
This is an extremely active investigation. State Police assigned to this office are working closely with the Mass Turnpike Authority which controls the Zakim Bridge, as well as Boston Police. I will keep the public and media informed – as best we can – as this investigation develops and as we seek to get the individual or individuals responsible for this child’s shooting off the streets and behind bars where they belong.
