Mattapan, Boston, January 14, 2026
After a worrying spell of violence, Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood has experienced 48 hours without any new fatal shootings. This calm comes as investigations into earlier tragic incidents continue, notably concerning a shooting that claimed the life of a 37-year-old man. The community remains hopeful for ongoing peace as law enforcement diligently pursues justice for these violent acts while reflecting on the challenges posed by gun violence over the years.
Boston
Tranquility Undisturbed: No New Fatal Shootings Reported in Mattapan Over Past 48 Hours, Investigations Continue for Earlier Incidents
In the quiet rhythm of Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood, the past 48 hours have passed without reports of new fatal shootings, offering a momentary reprieve from the somber cadence of earlier violence. While the community holds its breath for a sustained peace, the echoes of recent tragedies linger, particularly as investigations continue into the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old Brockton man earlier this month. The pursuit of justice for these events remains a vigilant endeavor, seeking clarity in moments of profound loss.
Investigation Continues into Early January Fatality
The most recent fatal incident in Mattapan occurred in the early hours of Monday, January 5, 2026, when 37-year-old Alex DeAndrade of Brockton was found fatally shot. The tragic discovery prompted an immediate investigation by Boston police. Details surrounding the circumstances of his death remain under active scrutiny, as authorities have yet to announce any arrests in connection with the case. The stillness on that January morning, broken by such violence, underscores the fragile nature of peace within any community.
Mr. DeAndrade, remembered as a hardworking father deeply loyal to his son and family, became another life lost to the unyielding grip of gun violence. His passing left an indelible void, a poignant reminder of the personal cost woven into the fabric of these events. The ongoing investigation signifies a collective yearning for understanding and accountability, a hope that answers might emerge from the patient gathering of facts.
Recent Progress in Older Cases Reflects Persistent Efforts
Beyond the immediate horizon of the past 48 hours, the landscape of justice in Mattapan has seen movement in cases from prior years, reflecting the enduring commitment of law enforcement. In a notable development from November 24, 2025, a 16-year-old was arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on July 5, 2024. This earlier incident claimed the life of a 17-year-old Stoughton resident. Such arrests, even months after the initial event, offer a measure of hope to families awaiting resolution, hinting at the long arc of justice.
Further demonstrating this persistent effort, Shovan Darby, 29, and Roberto Taylor, 29, were arrested and charged on March 7 and March 9, 2025, respectively, in connection with the fatal shooting of Mauricio M. Lawrence, 33. Mr. Lawrence was killed on Tennis Road the night of February 4, 2025. These actions illustrate the diligent, often arduous, work undertaken to piece together the truth from fragmented moments of chaos and despair.
In a case that reached its legal conclusion earlier last year, Yaliek Allah-Barnes, 42, received a manslaughter sentence on May 19, 2025. He pleaded guilty mid-trial for the fatal shooting of Derek Fitzpatrick, 49, in the area of Bernard Street, an incident dating back to 2020. Each conviction, each arrest, serves as a testament to the persistent pursuit of justice, even as the passage of time can never fully restore what has been lost.
A Look at Mattapan’s Broader Challenges
While the absence of new fatal shootings in the most immediate period brings a fragile calm, the historical context reveals a neighborhood grappling with the profound impact of gun violence. Years past have seen other deeply unsettling events, such as a tragic shooting in August 2018 that left one young man dead and two others injured, necessitating cleanup crews to tend to blood-splattered sidewalks.
Even further back, the horrifying Mattapan massacre of September 2010, where four persons, including a toddler, were found dead at a home on Woolson Street, remains a stark reminder of the depth of sorrow violence can inflict. These moments, etched into the community’s memory, highlight a persistent human challenge—the yearning for safety, the grief for lives cut short, and the unceasing effort to forge a more peaceful path forward.
The commitment of law enforcement to investigate these cases, from recent tragedies to those spanning years, reflects an unwavering dedication to the principles of order and accountability. Yet, the human toll remains paramount, inviting a thoughtful reflection on the societal undercurrents that contribute to such violence and the collective responsibility to cultivate environments where lives can flourish, unburdened by fear.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Has there been a fatal shooting in Mattapan in the last 48 hours?
- No, there have been no new fatal shootings reported in Mattapan within the past 48 hours.
- When was the most recent fatal shooting in Mattapan?
- The most recent fatal incident in Mattapan occurred on Monday, January 5, 2026, claiming the life of 37-year-old Alex DeAndrade of Brockton.
- Who was the victim of the January 5, 2026 shooting in Mattapan?
- The victim of the January 5, 2026 shooting in Mattapan was 37-year-old Alex DeAndrade of Brockton.
- Have any arrests been made in the January 5, 2026 Mattapan shooting?
- No arrests have been announced in connection with the fatal shooting of Alex DeAndrade on January 5, 2026.
- When was a 16-year-old arrested for a 2024 Mattapan fatal shooting?
- A 16-year-old was arrested on November 24, 2025, in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on July 5, 2024, in Mattapan, killing a 17-year-old Stoughton resident.
- Who was sentenced in May 2025 for a 2020 Mattapan fatal shooting?
- Yaliek Allah-Barnes, 42, was sentenced on May 19, 2025, for manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Derek Fitzpatrick, 49, in the area of Bernard Street in 2020.
- When were arrests made for the February 4, 2025 fatal shooting of Mauricio M. Lawrence?
- Shovan Darby, 29, and Roberto Taylor, 29, were arrested and charged on March 7 and March 9, 2025, respectively, for the fatal shooting of Mauricio M. Lawrence, 33, on Tennis Road the night of February 4, 2025.
Key Information on Recent Mattapan Fatal Shootings
| Incident Date | Victim | Status / Key Development | Date of Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 5, 2026 | Alex DeAndrade, 37, of Brockton | Investigation ongoing; no arrests announced. | Ongoing (reported Jan 5, 2026) |
| July 5, 2024 | 17-year-old Stoughton resident | 16-year-old arrested. | November 24, 2025 |
| February 4, 2025 | Mauricio M. Lawrence, 33 | Shovan Darby, 29, and Roberto Taylor, 29, arrested and charged. | March 7 & 9, 2025 |
| 2020 | Derek Fitzpatrick, 49 | Yaliek Allah-Barnes, 42, sentenced for manslaughter. | May 19, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Vehicle Crash Displaces Residents in Everett
Boston Universities Strengthen Campus Safety Protocols
Increase in Assaults Against ICE Officers Raises Alarm
Boston Experiences a Day Free of Homicides
Investigation Underway After Roxbury Shooting
Fatal Shooting on Stow Road in Mattapan
Shooting in Roxbury Leaves One with Life-Threatening Injuries
Local Man Charged in Violent Assault of Elder Neighbor
Boston Man Charged with Assaulting Elderly Neighbor Over Package Dispute
Five Suspects Charged in Violent Assault on Gay Couple in Boston
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.


