HOLYOKE, Mass. (AP) — A “innocent bystander” was shot and killed at a mall in western Massachusetts on Saturday amid a confrontation between two other people, the county prosecutor said.
A suspect was immediately taken into custody by the Holyoke Police Department, which responded just before 7 p.m. to a report of shots fired at the Touch of Beauty Hair & Nail Salon within the mall, according to the Hampden County District Attorney’s office.
The suspect has been identified as Kenneth Santana-Rodriguez, 23, of Springfield. He is charged with murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
The DA’s office referred to the two people involved in the altercation as “known parties,” without providing details. The male victim’s identity was not immediately released.
The Holyoke Mall at Ingleside said it would reopen late Sunday morning.
The Massachusetts State Police are now assisting with the ongoing investigation.
