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Monday, June 25, 2007
(George Rizer/Globe Staff)
A young boy waved to Boston police officers today stationed outside the scene of a shooting Sunday night on Seaver Street that killed an 8-year-old boy.
By Suzanne Smalley, Globe Staff
Police investigating the fatal shooting of 8-year-old Laquarrie Jefferson are focusing intently on the family's explanation that the child died after a group of inviduals forced their way into the family's home, according to a law enforcement official familiar with the investigation.
Family members have been questioned extensively about the events leading up to the child's death at 11:30 p.m. Sunday inside an apartment on Seaver Street, the official said.
"We are investigating numerous leads, both from the public and from the evidence that was discovered at the scene," Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis said today at a press conference. "The report was that individuals forced their way into the house. We are reviewing that report right now and checking the evidence."
Jefferson was a first-grader at the John P. Holland Elementary School. Investigators have determined that people with gang affiliations live in the Seaver Street apartment, Davis said.
Police doubled the number of homicide detectives on the case and worked through the night, Davis said at the press conference outside Boston Police Headquarters.
The shooting occurred in a blond brick, four-story apartment building, police said. Jefferson was rushed to Boston Medical Center, where he later died. Police have not reported making any arrests.
Investigators have already received several tips that have aided the investigation, and authorities encouraged the public to continue sharing information.
"No family should experience this kind of loss ... this was an 8-year-old boy," Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said. "A truly innocent little child. It is no time to keep information to yourself."
People are encouraged to contact the Boston police homicide unit at 617-343-4470 or to give anonymous tips by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-494-TIPS.
Posted by the Boston Globe City & Region Desk at 08:03 PM
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