Boston law enforcement is actively probing the circumstances surrounding the death of a 30-year-old woman found at a South End luxury apartment complex last week. Shantel Gillespie was discovered in her apartment at 390 Harrison Avenue last Thursday, December 12, as Boston Police Department and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office announced. Although the exact cause of death is pending determination by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, authorities indicate a strong suspicion that Gillespie's death was a homicide.
According to the same update, there is preliminary belief that the incident was not random – suggesting a measure of specificity in Gillespie's unfortunate end. While residents and the general public are said not to be endangered, the Homicide Unit of the Boston Police Department continues its in-depth review of the facts and circumstances of the case. As the investigation moves forward, officials encourage anyone with information to make contact with the Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470.
The news of the investigation first came to light after police responded to a wellness check shortly before 7 p.m. the previous Thursday, with subsequent confirmation of the woman's death being made by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office. As reported by Hoodline, the death is currently under investigation by the police homicide unit.
The local community of The Harris building, where the death occurred, has expressed shock and dismay. "I came down to a whole bunch of cops, more cops outside," Michael Dzialo, a building tenant, told NBC10 Boston. The sentiment of loss and unexpectedness in such an enviable neighborhood was echoed by another resident, Fraser Simpson, who said, "I don't quite know what to make of it, I mean a loss of life is absolutely tragic. It's very surprising and very different to anything I would have expected in this neighborhood." With no arrests reported as of yet, the plea for information is still open, and concerned citizens can also contribute tips anonymously through the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or by sending a text to CRIME (27463).
