16-year old girl killed and 17-year old girl injured in Massachusetts drive-by shooting

Charlene Holmes, age 16

16-year old Charlene Holmes was walking with her older sister on a sidewalk in Cambridge, Massachussetts, when a car drove by and someone inside opened fire at the residence they were walking past.  A bullet struck Charlene, killing her.

From an article:

In a moving tribute in a park across the street from the spot where Holmes was shot, friends and family held red, pink, and white balloons as a woman sang. As the song concluded, Hall said, “We love you,’’ and friends and family members released the balloons into the evening sky as many sobbed.

A man who identified himself only as Holmes’s father, screamed out for someone to help. “I saw my daughter die on this sidewalk,’’ he said. “She died in my arms. And I’m asking for your help. Please, help me.’’

The man then quickly went to his home on Willow Street, and family members said he was not available for comment.

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School officials said in a statement that Holmes was involved in numerous extracurricular activities, including softball and track. She was also involved in a youth leadership program and in antibullying initiatives.
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Cindy Rodriguez, 21, next-door neighbor to Holmes, expressed shock at the death of her lifelong friend.

“Her eyes said it all: She’d walk by, just look at you, and she kind of brightened up your day, just with her eyes,’’ Rodriguez said.

Nearby, 17-year old Thanialee Cotto-Felix was sitting on her porch with a male teen when a bullet hit her, as well.  She is now in critical condition.

Cotto-Felix, who also attended Cambridge Rindge & Latin School, was preparing for her graduation Thursday. She is also involved in the youth leadership program and has worked in a relative’s restaurant to help support her family, the statement said. She is planning to attend Newbury College.

Police say they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, but also describe the shooting as "not a random act."

Neither shooting victim lived at 34-36 Willow. According to Cambridge police records, officers have responded to the address at least 10 times in the past two years, for incidents ranging from domestic disputes to drug possession with intent to distribute, to warrant arrests.

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