Man fatally shot in Jamaica Plain home had celebrated 25th birthday days earlier, cousin says

By Matt Rocheleau, Town Correspondent

Two Sundays ago, friends and family surprised Mariano Malave Jr. with a party to celebrate his 25th birthday, his cousin said.

“He was doing very good and had goals and aspirations he was reaching for,” said Evelise Alicea.

On Friday, Malave was found fatally shot inside a home in the Forest Hills section of Jamaica Plain.

Alicea described her cousin, who some called “Mario” or “Marianito,” as “a very caring person.” She said in a brief phone interview Monday that she will never forget his glowing smile.

Boston Police confirmed the man’s identity Tuesday.

On Friday at about 6:30 p.m., a man in his 20s was found suffering from a gunshot wound at 132 Hyde Park Ave, police said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, inside a multifamily home located along a busy road near an MBTA subway and bus station.

No arrests have been made, authorities said. Boston Police are investigating.

Including another homicide reported in the Theater District early Saturday morning, there have been 15 homicides in Boston so far this year, compared to 8 at this time last year, police spokeswoman Officer Nicole Grant said Sunday night. Six of the city’s murders this year have taken place during the past two weeks.

Anyone with information is asked to call the department’s homicide unit at 617-343-4470.

Those who wish to provide information anonymously can contact the CrimeStoppers Tip Line by calling 1-800-494-TIPS or texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).

E-mail Matt Rocheleau at mjrochele@gmail.com.
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