Salem, Massachusetts, December 20, 2025
In a disturbing shooting incident in Salem, Massachusetts, three individuals were arrested following a targeted attack that saw over 66 shots fired in a residential area. Miraculously, there were no injuries reported, but the gunfire struck nearby vehicles and buildings, leaving the community in shock. Salem Police swiftly apprehended the suspects and recovered two firearms, reflecting a strong commitment to public safety. The incident underscores the community’s expectation of safety, disrupted by the frightening violence.
Salem
Three individuals have been arrested and two firearms recovered in connection with a harrowing shooting incident that unfolded in a Salem, Massachusetts, neighborhood on the morning of Monday, April 14, 2025. While no physical injuries were reported, the early morning gunfire, which saw at least 66 shots fired, left residents shaken and struck nearby vehicles and buildings.
Law Enforcement Action Leads to Apprehensions
Following a diligent investigation, Salem Police, working with law enforcement partners, executed search and arrest warrants during the early morning hours of Friday, April 18, 2025. The three suspects were apprehended in Somerville and Quincy.
The individuals arrested in connection with the Albion Street shooting were identified as Ronnie Lee Cato III, 19, of Boston; Richardson Frederic, 18, of Somerville; and John King-Marshall, 18, of Quincy. They were later arraigned on a range of serious charges in Superior Court in Salem on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Among the charges levied against them were four counts of armed assault to murder, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a firearm without a license, and possession of a large-capacity feeding device. Mr. Frederic also faced an additional charge for possession of an untraceable firearm.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred just before 7 a.m. on April 14, 2025, on Albion Street. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene, as dozens of rounds of gunfire disrupted the quiet morning. Investigations revealed that the shooting was a targeted attack, rather than a random act of violence.
Surveillance video captured the suspects fleeing the scene after the shots were fired. Although miraculously no one was directly wounded by the bullets, the sheer volume of fire led to bullets striking multiple cars, homes, and street signs in the vicinity. An Uber driver, who was reportedly waiting to pick up three passengers on Albion Street at the time, found his vehicle caught in the crossfire. His windshield was struck, bullets pierced his car seat, and his back window shattered, yet he emerged unharmed, a testament to fortuitous timing and circumstance.
Community Reflection and Police Response
The reverberations of the gunfire awoke many residents, who described the sounds as startlingly loud, akin to fireworks. For families in the neighborhood, the close call was a poignant reminder of life’s fragility; one resident noted his wife and daughter had departed mere moments before the eruption of shots. The incident underscored a community’s quiet expectation of safety, momentarily fractured by unexpected violence.
Salem Police emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that “Gunplay on the streets of Salem is unacceptable.” The swift action by detectives and their partners in identifying and apprehending the suspects, along with the recovery of the two weapons, highlights a commitment to restoring a sense of order and peace within the community. The charges brought against the individuals reflect the serious nature of the alleged acts and the potential danger to the public, even in the absence of direct physical injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did the shooting incident in Salem occur?
- The shooting incident occurred on the morning of Monday, April 14, 2025, just before 7 a.m.
- Where did the shooting take place?
- The shooting took place in a Salem, Massachusetts, neighborhood, specifically on Albion Street.
- Were there any injuries?
- No physical injuries were reported in the shooting incident.
- How many shots were fired?
- At least 66 bullet casings were recovered from the crime scene.
- How many people were arrested?
- Three individuals were arrested in connection with the shooting.
- When were the arrests made?
- The arrests were made during the early morning hours of Friday, April 18, 2025.
- What were the names of the arrested individuals and their charges?
- The arrested individuals were Ronnie Lee Cato III, Richardson Frederic, and John King-Marshall. They faced charges including four counts of armed assault to murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a firearm without a license, and possession of a large-capacity feeding device. Frederic also faced a charge for possession of an untraceable firearm.
- Were any weapons recovered?
- Yes, two firearms believed to have been used in the shooting were recovered.
Key Features of the Salem Shooting Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Monday, April 14, 2025 |
| Time of Incident | Just before 7 a.m. |
| Location | Albion Street, Salem, Massachusetts |
| Number of Shots Fired | At least 66 |
| Injuries Reported | None |
| Property Damage | Bullets struck vehicles, buildings, and signs |
| Nature of Attack | Targeted |
| Date of Arrests | Friday, April 18, 2025 |
| Number of Arrests | 3 |
| Names of Arrested | Ronnie Lee Cato III, Richardson Frederic, John King-Marshall |
| Primary Charges | Armed assault to murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of a large-capacity feeding device |
| Weapons Recovered | 2 firearms |
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