One Dead, Suspect Arrested in Fatal Worcester Shooting on Southgate Street
The city of Worcester is reeling after a deadly shooting rocked a residential neighborhood Saturday night, leaving one man dead and another in custody facing multiple serious charges. The incident unfolded on Southgate Street, where police were called in response to reports of gunfire.
According to the Worcester Police Department, officers arrived at the scene shortly after the 911 call and found a man lying on the sidewalk, suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel rendered aid and transported the victim to a nearby hospital. Tragically, despite efforts to save him, the man succumbed to his injuries.
❗ Suspect in Custody
In a swift development, 26-year-old Antonio Canales-Martinez was arrested in connection with the shooting. He now faces a series of serious charges, including:
- Armed Assault to Murder
- Assault and Battery with a Firearm
- Aggravated Assault and Battery with Serious Bodily Injury
- Discharging a Firearm Within 500 Feet of a Dwelling
Authorities have not released further details on the events that led to the shooting, nor have they revealed whether the suspect and the victim were known to each other.
🕵️♂️ Investigation Ongoing
Police have yet to identify the victim publicly, as the investigation remains active and notification of next of kin is pending. Investigators are now working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident, including a motive, whether others were involved, and whether the shooting was premeditated or spontaneous.
Officers canvassed the Southgate Street area on Sunday morning, interviewing residents and searching for surveillance footage that may have captured the incident. The area remained cordoned off late into the night as crime scene investigators processed the location for evidence.
🧑⚖️ Legal Proceedings Forthcoming
Antonio Canales-Martinez is expected to be arraigned early this week in a Worcester court. Depending on the findings of the ongoing investigation, additional charges could be brought against him, particularly if the medical examiner confirms the manner of death as homicide and the victim is formally identified.
💬 Community Reaction
The Southgate Street neighborhood was shaken by the violence, with residents expressing fear and frustration at the rising trend of gun-related incidents across the city. Neighbors described the area as generally quiet and were surprised by the sudden eruption of violence.
“We heard the shots, and then sirens not long after. It’s heartbreaking,” one resident told reporters. “We shouldn’t have to worry about shootings like this right outside our homes.”
Worcester city leaders have repeatedly voiced concern about illegal firearms and their devastating effects on the community, pledging to invest more resources in violence prevention and youth outreach efforts.
🚨 Call for Information
Anyone with additional information about the incident is urged to contact the Worcester Police Detective Bureau at 508-799-8651. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Worcester Police Department’s anonymous tip line or website.
As the city mourns yet another life lost to gun violence, residents and officials alike are calling for justice and meaningful steps toward safety and accountability. The victim’s name and further updates on the case are expected to be released in the coming days.