Fall River, February 1, 2026
In a tragic incident in Fall River, a man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a mother and her son. Law enforcement responded to a double shooting, leading to the apprehension of a suspect reportedly linked to the victims. The community is left mourning this heartbreaking loss while the investigation continues.
Fall River
Arrest Made in Tragic Fall River Homicide
An arrest has been made in connection with the fatal shooting of a mother and her son in Fall River, an event that has cast a somber shadow over the community. Arlington Cole, 54, was taken into custody on Saturday, January 31, 2026, facing charges in the deaths of Elizabeth Almeida, 54, and Nicholas Almeida, 25. The incident occurred approximately 15 hours prior to the arrest, late on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Details of the Incident and Arrest
Law enforcement officers responded to a 911 call reporting a double shooting at 431 Barnes Street in Fall River around 8:05 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026. Upon their arrival, police discovered Elizabeth Almeida and her son, Nicholas Almeida, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to a local hospital, where they were later pronounced deceased.
Arlington Cole, who was reportedly in a dating relationship with Elizabeth Almeida, was located at the scene by authorities. A firearm was also recovered at the location. Following his apprehension, Cole was charged with two counts of Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon causing Serious Bodily Injury. The prompt’s detail about the arrest occurring approximately 15 hours prior to the article’s publication on January 31, 2026, places the arrest firmly within the early hours of January 31, 2026.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into this profound tragedy is being actively conducted by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit, working in conjunction with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and the Fall River Police Department. The diligent efforts of these agencies aim to meticulously piece together the full circumstances surrounding the event, as the search for clarity and understanding continues. The Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn, III, announced the fatal shooting and the ongoing investigation.
Community Reflection
This deeply sorrowful event, unfolding in Fall River, a city within 20 miles of Boston, touches upon the fragile fabric of human connection and the unexpected turns life can take. The sudden loss of a mother and her son leaves an indelible mark, not only on those who knew them but on the wider community that bears witness to such quiet grief. In these moments, the collective humanity of a place reflects upon the value of life and the intricate bonds that define our shared existence. The pursuit of justice, methodical and grounded in empirical reality, proceeds alongside the quiet process of communal mourning, seeking to comprehend the gravity of actions and their enduring consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened in Fall River?
A: A mother, Elizabeth Almeida, 54, and her son, Nicholas Almeida, 25, were fatally shot at their home in Fall River on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Q: Who has been arrested in connection with the Fall River shooting?
A: Arlington Cole, 54, was arrested on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in connection with the shooting deaths.
Q: What was the relationship between the suspect and the victims?
A: Arlington Cole was in a dating relationship with Elizabeth Almeida.
Q: What charges has Arlington Cole been arrested on?
A: Arlington Cole has been charged with two counts of Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon causing Serious Bodily Injury.
Q: When and where did the shooting occur?
A: The shooting occurred at approximately 8:05 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 431 Barnes Street in Fall River.
Q: Which agencies are investigating this incident?
A: The investigation is being conducted by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and the Fall River Police Department.
Key Features of the Fall River Shooting Incident
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Location of Incident | 431 Barnes Street, Fall River | Local |
| Date of Incident | Friday, January 30, 2026 | Local |
| Victims | Elizabeth Almeida, 54; Nicholas Almeida, 25 | Local |
| Suspect Arrested | Arlington Cole, 54 | Local |
| Suspect Relationship to Victim | Dating relationship with Elizabeth Almeida | Local |
| Charges Filed | Two counts of Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon causing Serious Bodily Injury | State-level (Massachusetts) |
| Investigating Agencies | Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit, Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, Fall River Police Department | State-level/Local |
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