Third person dies in aftermath of Jamaica Plain restaurant shooting

Third person dies in aftermath of Jamaica Plain restaurant shooting
By O’Ryan Johnson and Laura Crimaldi  |   Monday, November 22, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

Photo by Angela Rowlings

Another victim caught in the crossfire of a shooting last night on Jamaica Plain’s bustling Centre Street has died, bringing the death toll to three and prompting police to vow a crackdown on gang members.

Police say all three victims are believed to be gang affiliated.

Police spokeswoman Elain Driscoll told the Herald this afternoon the department now has a “laser focus” on gang members tied to the brazen gunfight.

“As a result of this incident, the individuals who associate with these three (victims) should anticipate a significant amount of aggressive enforcement coming their way,” Driscoll said.

One of the victims, described as a 21-year-old Hispanic man, was taken into police custody before he died, said Driscoll. He suffered from “possible stab wounds” and was pronounced dead at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, police said.

A second victim, also described as a 21-year-old Hispanic man, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, police said.

A third victim, a 28-year-old man Hispanic man, died today. He was previously listed in stable condition earlier today at Boston Medical Center.

Officer Eddy Chrispin told the Associated Press the fight began Sunday night at Same Old Place. He says the fight continued out on the street in front of the eatery and shots were fired.

A fourth victim, who is female, was treated and released from Faulkner Hospital, police said.

The shooting started at 7:24 p.m. when a fight broke out and three men were shot inside the restaurant. A woman passing by outside was grazed in the leg, police said. One of the men shot was apprehended outside the restaurant holding a gun, Police Commissioner Edward Davis said.

“The initial report is all part of a fight and it’s all self-contained,” Davis said. “They are all here.”

An eyewitness, John, 45, who declined to give his last name but was interviewed by police at the scene, said he had just left J.P. Licks and had crossed the street when he heard about seven shots and saw a man fall on the pavement.

“It was really scary. It was like the Wild West. It was just like the Wild West,” John said.

Police cordoned off a large section of the neighborhood last night while homicide detectives rounded up a number of witnesses who were placed inside of an MBTA bus to await further questioning.

Patrols have been increased in the neighborhood.

Richard Weir contributed.

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