Community Meeting in Cambridge Addresses Fatal Shooting of Danasia Greene and Concerns about Central Square’s Unhoused Population

Accident – death – Obituary News : Cambridge Officials Provide Updates on Investigation into Fatal Shooting

Cambridge law enforcement officials provided updates on their ongoing investigation into a fatal shooting that occurred on November 23 during a community meeting held on Wednesday. The shooting claimed the life of Danasia Greene, 27, and injured Tyrre Herring, 26. Police have been working tirelessly to follow up on leads and expect to make an arrest in the near future.

During the meeting, which was attended by approximately 150 people at the Citywide Senior Center, the focus shifted from the shooting to concerns about Central Square’s unhoused population. Many attendees expressed their worries about the general condition of the area and the well-being of the homeless individuals living there.

Ray Doucette, an associate at the law firm Galluccio & Watson, voiced his observations about the changing dynamics in Central Square. While acknowledging the city’s efforts to help the homeless, Doucette also highlighted the presence of a population that is struggling. This topic dominated the discussion, with numerous references made to the unhoused population, despite the earlier clarification that the shooting was unrelated to them.

Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow assured residents that the incident did not involve any members of the unhoused community. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, who joined the meeting remotely, stated that the shooting was the result of an ongoing dispute between individuals who knew each other. Ryan emphasized that there was no immediate danger to the public and praised the progress made in the investigation.

Elow emphasized that the investigation was active and sensitive, limiting the amount of information that could be shared with the public. The shooting occurred at 10 Magazine St. in Cambridgeport, and both victims were transported to Massachusetts General Hospital. Greene was pronounced dead, while Herring received treatment and was later arrested on unrelated warrants from multiple courthouses.

There were indications that the shooting may have been drug-related, with Commissioner Elow highlighting the regional nature of drug dealing in the area. An unhoused individual who witnessed the shooting described it as a targeted attack on Greene, with Herring being present incidentally.

The Central Square area has been experiencing a concentration of crimes, particularly targeting the unhoused population. A Cambridge BridgeStat report revealed that a significant number of aggravated assaults and street robberies occurred in Central Square, with the majority involving suspects preying on the homeless and stealing their personal belongings.

City Councilor Marc McGovern addressed the perception that the homeless population in Central Square is increasing. He clarified that the number of unhoused individuals remains stable at around 500, but the composition of the population changes over time. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to provide housing for the unhoused and acknowledged that progress was being made.

Commissioner Elow reassured residents about the police presence in Central Square, citing the regular “park and walks” and reports made to the police substation. She also clarified that there has not been a significant influx of homeless individuals following the dismantling of a camp in Boston known as Mass and Cass.

Overall, the community meeting provided residents with updates on the investigation into the fatal shooting while also addressing concerns about Central Square’s unhoused population. The Cambridge officials expressed their commitment to bringing the perpetrator to justice and addressing the underlying issues affecting the community..