Crime
32-year-old Karina Martinez-Ortiz killed in New Bedford shooting
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. – Authorities have launched a homicide investigation following the fatal shooting of a 32-year-old woman in New Bedford on Tuesday evening.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting at 438 Bolton Street, where they discovered Karina Martinez-Ortiz lying on the floor outside her first-floor apartment, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical personnel transported Martinez-Ortiz to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
As of Wednesday afternoon, law enforcement officials continued to block off the area as the investigation remained active.
A memorial with candles and tributes was placed outside the building in her memory.
At this time, no suspects have been identified, and authorities have not released details regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
However, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell stated that the incident appears to have been a targeted attack.
Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the New Bedford Police Department as the investigation continues.
Crime
Lafayette LA high school student Alaya Christian killed in shooting during Mamou Mardi Gras concert
Two separate shootings at Mardi Gras concerts in Mamou have left two teenagers dead and 14 others wounded, authorities confirmed.
Among the victims killed was Alaya Christian, an honor student at Lafayette Renaissance Charter High School.
Christian was not only a high-achieving student but also a member of the school’s softball team and student council.
In a statement, school officials expressed their grief, saying she will be “deeply missed.”
The violence unfolded amid what was supposed to be a night of celebration.
On Fat Tuesday, a large crowd had gathered to enjoy the festivities when, within seconds, gunfire from a fully automatic weapon sent hundreds fleeing for their lives.
The shooting took place during a performance by zydeco musician Chris Ardoin, who later commented on the tragic events.
This latest incident follows another shooting that occurred on Monday, where three people were wounded in a separate act of violence at the festival.
Authorities are still investigating whether the two incidents are connected.
According to Mamou Police Chief Pat Hall, responding officers arrived at a chaotic scene, where they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
“When we all came up on the scene, the officers there, we saw several people injured.
Two individuals succumbed to their injuries, two remain in critical condition at Lafayette General, and the remaining victims are receiving medical treatment,” Chief Hall stated.
Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the motive behind the shootings, as well as potential suspects.
As of now, no arrests have been made.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Mamou Police Department or Evangeline Parish Crime Stoppers.