Crime
Victims Killed in Shooting Outside Westgate Mall in Brockton Identified
Brockton, MA – Authorities continue their search for a suspect in connection with the fatal double shooting that claimed the lives of two teenagers at the Westgate Mall in Brockton on Saturday night, March 23, 2025.
According to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, the victims have been identified as:
- Tymari Albertson, 15
- Cevannah Alvarez, 18
Both were shot and killed following a physical altercation that escalated into gunfire in the parking lot near Starbucks and Chipotle.
At approximately 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Brockton police responded to reports of a large fight involving several teenagers outside the Westgate Mall.
Moments later, gunshots rang out, striking Albertson and Alvarez.
Witnesses reported that a large number of teenagers had gathered in the area, many of whom had attended the grand opening of Urban Air Adventure Park, located across the street, shortly before the shooting.
Albertson, a Brockton High School student, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Alvarez later succumbed to her injuries at a nearby hospital.
The tragic loss has deeply impacted the Brockton community, particularly within the school district.
Brockton Public Schools issued a statement on Sunday expressing grief over the loss of one of their students:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a Champion High School student following an incident of violence in our community yesterday. We are working to support their family however we can and will be making resources available to students and staff grieving this loss.”
Mayor Robert Sullivan also addressed the tragedy, emphasizing the city’s commitment to supporting students and holding those responsible accountable:
“As Mayor of the City of Brockton, I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and classmates of the two victims. This tragedy is an active police investigation, under the direction of Police Chief Brenda Perez, in conjunction with the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. The Brockton Public Schools, led by Superintendent Dr. Priya Tahiliani, will offer grief counseling services to students and staff impacted by this tragic event. This type of senseless violence will not be tolerated in our city.”
Grief counselors will be available Monday at Brockton schools to provide support to students and staff affected by the loss.
The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office is leading the investigation and has not yet announced any arrests. Authorities are actively working to identify and locate the suspect(s) responsible for the shooting.
Officials urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact Brockton police.
Crime
Stephen McKenzie Identified as Suspect in Pembroke Park Shooting That Left Mother and Three Children Dead
PEMBROKE PARK, FL – Authorities have identified the suspect in a horrific mass shooting at a Pembroke Park apartment complex as 34-year-old Stephen McKenzie, the father of two of the youngest victims.
The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday evening, claimed the lives of a mother and three of her children.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Pembroke Park Police and Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) deputies responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex located in the 3100 block of Hallandale Beach Boulevard.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman and three children fatally shot inside the residence.
The victims were identified as:
- Julie Cruz, 32 (mother)
- Xion Solomon, 11
- Nova McKenzie, 2
- Emery McKenzie, 2
Both Nova and Emery were McKenzie’s biological children, authorities confirmed.
Additionally, first responders found 8-year-old Phiinyx Solomon suffering from gunshot wounds.
She was immediately transported to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where she remains in serious condition.
McKenzie was also located at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound following an unsuccessful suicide attempt, according to investigators.
He was transported to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital in critical condition and is currently in police custody.
During a press briefing, BSO spokesperson Claudinne Caro confirmed that McKenzie has been identified as the primary suspect in the shooting.
“Upon arrival, officers found a woman and three children inside the apartment, all of whom were pronounced deceased from gunshot wounds. Another child and an adult male were also found injured. That male has now been identified as the suspect,” Caro stated.
The children’s grandmother arrived at the scene shortly after authorities notified her of the tragedy, collapsing into tears as she grieved the loss of her daughter and grandchildren.
“That’s my daughter! That’s my daughter!” she wailed in agony, as bystanders and neighbors attempted to console her.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the motive behind the attack, but neighbors and community members are left shocked and devastated by the brutal act of domestic violence.
“I just don’t understand what could lead someone to do something so terrible,” said one neighbor.
McKenzie remains hospitalized under police watch as the BSO Homicide Unit continues its investigation.
Officials urge anyone with additional information to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.