16-year-old shot dead at large “chaotic” house party in Northboro

NORTHBORO – A 16-year-old was killed in a shooting at a large “chaotic” house party in Northboro early Sunday morning. Three people were arrested but police are still trying to determine what sparked the violence.

“It’s Mother’s Day and a mother has lost a 16-year-old,” Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early Jr. said.

The shooting left a 16-year-old Bellingham boy dead and several others injured. When they arrived, police could only describe a chaotic scene.

Early said a Northboro police officer and a state trooper carried the victim down the hill to an ambulance. He was taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The party was held at 333 Howard Street. According to the police, almost 300 people were there. Authorities say it was around 1 a.m. when they were notified by a partygoer who reported seeing someone with a gun at the party and flagged down a Northboro police officer. Several departments from surrounding towns were called in to assist.

“As police were gathering and preparing to enter the facility, which is a couple of acres of property, they heard several gunshots,” Early said.

“This was a very chaotic scene,” said Northboro Police Chief Brian Griffin. “Our thoughts are with the victim and his family during this senseless act of violence. Since it’s Mother’s Day, it’s especially hard.”

A 17-year-old was also shot at the party. He was taken to Marlboro Hospital where he was treated and released. Police arrested two 19-year-olds and a 27-year-old for weapons offenses. Police say they are not from Northboro.

“Both the victim and everyone charged here live outside of Northboro,” Early said.

The homeowner told police there would be no more parties

Authorities say this is not the first time a large party has taken place at the several-acre property. Police said they contacted the homeowner earlier this week when they were told there would not be another party.

“We spoke to the homeowner about it and he assured us that this was the last thing and that obviously wasn’t the case,” Griffin said.

The incident has unsettled neighbors in this quiet, peaceful community.

“Shock, sadness, disbelief. I have four little kids, so you know, it just makes me nervous,” a neighbor said.

“Last year we had to call the police because the whole street was blocked with hundreds of cars,” another neighbor said.

The police are still investigating. They are asking anyone who has cell phone video of this incident to please share it with Northboro Police. The three arrested suspects will be arraigned Monday in Westboro District Court on weapons charges.