A second suspect is behind bars in connection with a double shooting that shook the community near Donnelly Field last month. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow announced the arrest of 19-year-old Cambridge resident Machyus Battle on a string of charges, including assault and illegal firearm possession, as reported by the City of Cambridge.
Battle is accused of the following: attempted assault and battery by discharge of a firearm, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawfully carrying and discharging a firearm near a dwelling, among others. The incident, occurring at the local basketball court, reportedly involved an argument between Battle and 23-year-old Yonayvi Cruceta, resulting in gunfire. Along with injuring Cruceha, a 22-year-old female bystander suffered wounds from what is believed to be a stray bullet. After being arraigned this past Monday in Cambridge District Court, Battle is awaiting a dangerousness hearing set for today.
The night of May 23, 2024, saw Cambridge Police rushing to the scene at 91 Berkshire Street after reports of gunfire were made at 9:39 p.m. The preliminary investigation unveiled an exchanged fire between Battle and Cruceta, causing injuries to Cruceta and the unnamed woman, who were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening wounds. Charged earlier, Cruceta faces an array of firearms related charges including discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building.
While Battle has been held following his court appearance, the investigation continues in full stride. Officials urge those with any knowledge or evidence, such as home or dash cam footage, to come forward. Information can be shared anonymously through the Cambridge Police's tip line or reported online, in a bid to piece together the events of that chaotic evening.
