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Authorities investigate fatal triple shooting in Lowell Temple parking lot – Boston 25 News

LOWELL, Massachusetts — An investigation is ongoing after a triple shooting at a gathering in the parking lot of a Lowell temple early Saturday morning left one person dead and two others injured, officials said.

When officers responded to a report of a shooting in the parking lot of the ISSO Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Temple on Middlesex Street shortly before 5 a.m., they found three people suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Lowell Police Commissioner Greg Hudon.

Two of the victims, a 43-year-old Lowell man and a 34-year-old man, were taken to a local hospital. The older man was pronounced dead, while the other remains hospitalized.

The third victim, a 26-year-old woman, suffered minor injuries and went to the hospital herself.

Investigators believe the shooting was probably preceded by a fight and that the incident had nothing to do with the temple.

“The preliminary investigation indicates that a group had gathered in the parking lot earlier today when a physical altercation occurred prior to the shooting,” Ryan and Hudon said in a statement. “There is no information that the gathering was in any way connected to the temple.”

No arrests were made in connection with the shooting.

On Saturday morning, investigators were seen photographing vehicles in the parking lot near a large tent with tables and chairs, placing evidence markers on the ground and questioning people inside the temple.

A woman who birdwatches in the area told reporters she was shocked to learn of the fatal incident.

“It’s sad. I didn’t expect to see anything like this here,” said Wendy Porter. “I’ve never heard of anyone hanging around here.”

Another witness, whose car was stuck at the scene, told Boston 25’s Joanna Bouras that she saw two gunshot victims lying on the ground bleeding before police arrived at the scene.

Others who showed up for a scheduled religious event at the temple said an all-day prayer hour was supposed to begin around 7:30 a.m.

State troopers assigned to Ryan’s office are assisting Lowell police in the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lowell Police at 988-937-3200.

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