A 29-year-old man suspected in the fatal shooting of a Connecticut woman was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Brockton, authorities confirmed. Identified as Gelson Fernandes, the suspect required immediate transport to a Boston hospital for his injuries, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office.
Early Friday morning, Brockton police responded to a scene outside 17 Nason Street after a report of a person shot shortly before 12:30 a.m., as per statements obtained by Boston25News. Found inside a parked car at the location was 22-year-old Stephanie Beatty, of Norwich, Connecticut, who sustained a fatal gunshot wound.
The relationship between Fernandes and Beatty was a known factor, as they "were previously acquainted," the DA's office mentioned. Details on the nature or extent of their acquaintance were not disclosed in the statement published by Boston25News.
The incident has rattled the Brockton community, with residents expressing their fears to reporters. "I'm very worried for the kids. We have we have four kids and there's other neighbors. They have other kids, too. And that never happens here before," Landwine Dessert told NBC Boston. Another local, Amy Puopolo, shared her distress: "I have a I have a four-month-old upstairs. So, I mean, I want to get out of the area, especially cause it’s the second shooting along the street alone in the past year, so I’m ready to leave." The proximity of their homes to the crime scene has significantly contributed to the worry for the safety of their families.
Brockton Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and contact them at 508-941-0200. The investigation into the incident continues as the community seeks answers and the assurance that such violence does not become a recurring theme in their neighborhood.
