2 shot dead in Boston as violence continues

A spate of deadly violence in Boston continued yesterday with the shooting deaths of two people, including one in broad daylight on a busy Roxbury street.

The two victims, who were not identified, bring the number of homicides to four since early Thursday morning. Police do not believe any of the slayings are connected, a spokesman said.

"At this point, there is no indication that any of them are related," Officer Eddie Chrispin said late yesterday afternoon.

In Dorchester at 3:15 a.m., police responded to a report of a woman shot multiple times on Dunkeld Street. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

At her Dunkeld Street home yesterday, Margaret Jenkins, a 30-year resident, said she was awakened by the gunfire. "I woke up to six shots," she said. "It's all just violence. I didn't know the girl, but I'd see her and I'd say, 'Hi' to her, and I'd smile and she'd smile."

Less than 12 hours later, police responded at 2:10 p.m. to the report of a man shot at the corner of Warren and Woodbine streets in Roxbury.

A man, believed to be in his 30s, was taken to Boston Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, Chrispin said.

Police said they had no suspects or known motives.

The victim was shot in front of Roxbury Presbyterian Church, one of several Boston churches trying to stop the wave of violent crime rocking city streets.

"Our church is heavily engaged in trying to make a difference," said the Rev. Hurmon Hamilton, who was not at the church when the shooting occurred.

Hamilton, who has been pastor at the church for 13 years, said the neighborhood has a large number of elderly residents who have lived there for decades.

"These violent acts threaten to break up a very peaceful and solid, strong neighborhood," he said.

Woodbine Street was initially closed by police while they investigated, and residents were kept from entering their homes. Police eventually escorted people into their homes.

The shooting occurred across the street from the Mall of Roxbury, which was full of shoppers. Some were talking about the shooting but most seemed unaware.

One of three women talking outside the Save-A-Lot suggested the trio pray while another exclaimed that she wanted to know "whose momma's baby it was."

Thursday's victims were identified yesterday by police. Jessie Calhoun, 29, of Roxbury was pronounced dead at the shooting scene on Williams Street in Roxbury at about 2 a.m.

The second victim, Robert Turner, 20, of Boston, was pronounced dead at Boston Medical Center after he was shot about the same time.

Police are investigating the four killings. Anyone with information is urged to contact the homicide unit at 617-343-4470 or Area B-2 detectives at 617-343-4275. Anonymous tips may be left on the CrimeStoppers line, 1-800-494-8477.