Police: Boy, 15, Shot By Homeowner After Knocking At Wrong House
CHICOPEE (CBS) -- Police said a 15-year-old who was shot and killed by a homeowner Saturday mistook the man's house for his friend's home.
Jeffrey Lovell, 42, of Chicopee was arrested and charged with murder in the teenage boy's shooting.
He is being held without bail.
Chicopee Police said the teen and two others went to Lovell's house shortly before 1 p.m. Saturday, thinking it was the home of a friend, and banged on an outside door.
The Hampden County District Attorney's office said the two had been drinking alcohol in a nearby home, and were apparently confused about where they were.
The DA's office said Lovell, armed with a firearm, tried to communicate with the victim and his friend. They said that, after a pane of glass broke, Lovell shot through the door and hit the teen.
The boy was found by responding officers with a gunshot wound in his abdomen.
He was taken to Bay State Medical Center, where he later died.
"This was a tragic and avoidable incident that resulted in a young man losing his life," said Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni in a statement. "My sympathy and thoughts are with the victim's family and friends."
Chicopee Police offered their condolences and sympathies to the boy's family in a Facebook post Sunday.
Lovell is expected to be arraigned in Chicopee District Court Monday morning.