Springfield, Massachusetts, September 19, 2025
News Summary
In a recent incident in Springfield, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno has demanded strict penalties for three young men involved in a drive-by shooting that left several homes and vehicles damaged. The shootings took place on July 5, with multiple reports of gunfire leading to arrests made days later. Community fears have risen following the reckless behaviors displayed in a disturbing Snapchat video, prompting local leaders to push for stricter laws against youth violence.
Springfield
Springfield, Massachusetts, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno calls for strict penalties for three young men involved in drive-by shootings. The arrests follow a July 5 overnight incident in the Miller Street area that left multiple homes and vehicles struck by gunfire and a community shaken.
Key facts
The suspects are identified as Joseph Rossi, 22, from Southwick; Doughlas Moss, 22, from Springfield; and Brennan O’Connor, 21, from Springfield. The incident occurred during the early morning hours of July 5 in the Miller Street area. Police responded to reports of gunfire around 2 a.m. and discovered 16 shell casings at the scene. Damage was found on multiple properties, including a vehicle, a home, and a living room couch where three young children and two adults were present at the time.
Investigators reported that in total, four homes and two vehicles were struck by gunfire. Police found additional damage to the siding of another home, and a bullet from the incident lodged inside a couch. A Snapchat video capturing the shootings depicted the suspects laughing and encouraging each other as they fired shots from a moving vehicle. Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers stated that the suspects showed no remorse and that their behavior highlighted the potential risk to families in the area.
Arrests, charges and evidence
Rossi voluntarily surrendered to authorities five days after the incident and is currently detained at the Hampden County Correctional Center. Moss was arrested at home on September 12, while O’Connor was apprehended on a subsequent Monday. The Springfield Police Department has released the disturbing Snapchat video to the public. Springfield detectives worked with Westfield Police to identify the suspects through the Snapchat footage.
Authorities reported relevant criminal histories for the suspects. Rossi has a prior history of drug trafficking charges, and Moss has previous offenses involving firearms. Given the severity of the incident and the prior records of the suspects, the Hampden District Attorney’s Office is looking to conduct dangerousness hearings.
Community reaction and mayoral response
Neighborhood residents expressed fear and anger after the reckless gunfire, prompting local leaders to respond. Residents of the neighborhood expressed their fear and anger regarding the reckless gunfire, prompting Mayor Sarno to address community concerns. In public statements and through city officials, Mayor Sarno emphasized the need for stricter laws aimed at violent crime involving young adults and juveniles and expressed frustration over the incident.
Investigation status
Police continue to process evidence from the scene, review digital footage, and coordinate with prosecutors to define charges and next steps. Officials indicated that the Snapchat video is a central piece of evidence that tied the suspects to the incident and assisted in identifying and locating them. Investigators also cataloged physical damage and recovered shell casings to support the criminal case.
Background
Drive-by shootings pose elevated risk to bystanders and residents, particularly when committed in residential neighborhoods during overnight hours. Law enforcement and prosecutors may seek dangerousness hearings when alleged offenders face serious charges and possess prior records, a procedural step that can affect pretrial detention and bail decisions. Municipal leaders may call for changes to local or state law in response to high-profile violent incidents, especially when children and families are directly endangered.
What happens next
Pending formal charging decisions and any scheduled dangerousness hearings, the Hampden District Attorney’s Office and Springfield Police will move forward with prosecution. Detention status for the defendants will be determined in court, where prior records and the facts of the incident will be considered. The released Snapchat video remains part of the public record as authorities continue their investigation.
FAQ
Q: Who called for strict penalties?
A: Springfield, Massachusetts, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno calls for strict penalties for three young men involved in drive-by shootings.
Q: Who are the suspects?
A: The suspects are identified as Joseph Rossi, 22, from Southwick; Doughlas Moss, 22, from Springfield; and Brennan O’Connor, 21, from Springfield.
Q: When and where did the incident occur?
A: The incident occurred during the early morning hours of July 5 in the Miller Street area.
Q: How many shell casings were found?
A: Police responded to reports of gunfire around 2 a.m. and discovered 16 shell casings at the scene.
Q: Were there people in the homes hit by gunfire?
A: Damage was found on multiple properties, including a vehicle, a home, and a living room couch where three young children and two adults were present at the time.
Q: How many homes and vehicles were struck?
A: In total, four homes and two vehicles were struck by gunfire.
Q: Was a bullet recovered inside a piece of furniture?
A: Police found additional damage to the siding of another home, and a bullet from the incident lodged inside a couch.
Q: What does the Snapchat video show?
A: A Snapchat video capturing the shootings depicted the suspects laughing and encouraging each other as they fired shots from a moving vehicle.
Q: What did police say about the suspects’ attitude?
A: Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers states the suspects showed no remorse, highlighting the potential risk to families in the area.
Q: What are the arrest details?
A: Rossi voluntarily surrendered to authorities five days after the incident and is currently detained at the Hampden County Correctional Center. Moss was arrested at home on September 12, while O’Connor was apprehended on a subsequent Monday.
Q: Has the video been released?
A: The Springfield Police Department has released the disturbing Snapchat video to the public.
Q: What did the mayor say about laws and young people?
A: Mayor Sarno emphasized the need for stricter laws against violent crime, particularly involving young adults and juveniles, expressing frustration over the incident.
Q: Which agencies helped identify suspects?
A: Springfield detectives have worked with Westfield Police to identify the suspects through the Snapchat footage.
Q: Do the suspects have prior records?
A: Rossi has a prior history of drug trafficking charges, and Moss has previous offenses involving firearms.
Q: Are prosecutors seeking additional hearings?
A: The Hampden District Attorney’s Office is looking to conduct dangerousness hearings due to the severity of the offenses and previous criminal history of the suspects.
Q: How did neighbors react?
A: Residents of the neighborhood expressed their fear and anger regarding the reckless gunfire, prompting Mayor Sarno to address community concerns.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Miller Street area, Springfield |
| Date and time | Early morning hours of July 5; police responded around 2 a.m. |
| Suspects | Joseph Rossi, 22, from Southwick; Doughlas Moss, 22, from Springfield; Brennan O’Connor, 21, from Springfield |
| Shell casings recovered | 16 shell casings |
| Properties hit | Four homes and two vehicles; additional siding damage to another home; bullet lodged inside a couch |
| Witnesses at scene | Three young children and two adults were present in a living room where damage occurred |
| Evidence | Snapchat video released by Springfield Police Department |
| Arrests and detention | Rossi surrendered five days after the incident and is detained at Hampden County Correctional Center; Moss arrested September 12; O’Connor arrested on a subsequent Monday |
| Legal actions | Hampden District Attorney’s Office seeking dangerousness hearings |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Western Mass News
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- Boston 25 News
- Google Search: Drive-by Shooting Massachusetts
- WWLP
- Google Scholar: Drive-by Shooting Springfield
- MassLive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Western Mass News
- Google News: Springfield Drive-by Shooting
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