Photo: Getty Images
BRAINTREE, Mass. (WBZNewsRadio) - The owner of a Massachusetts mall that's seen several violence incidents in recent years, including a fatal shooting on January 22, is promising to increase security at the South Shore Plaza in Braintree.
Dijoun Beasley, 26, of Boston, was shopping inside a store at the mall when he was targeted by another man with a handgun. He was shot and killed, and died at a hospital, authorities said. The 19-year-old suspect is still at large.
The mall is adding security features like a K-9 unit, more armed guards and more security cameras. Michael Romstad, executive vice president of property management for mall owner, Simon Property Group, told The Patriot Ledger, the shooting was "unacceptable".
Simon has been working alongside Braintree Mayor Charles Kokoros and Police Chief Mark Dubois in their investigation into the late January shooting. Police have arrested Samantha Schwartz, of Attleboro, for helping the gunman after the shooting. An arrest warrant has been issued for the suspect, Julius Hammond-Desir of Maynard.
In addition to the latest shooting, gang members exchanged gunfire inside a department store at the mall in 2017. In 2020, a 15-year-old was hit twice during a shooting, she was an innocent bystander.
WBZ's Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App