Crime & Safety
No Bail For Man Charged In South Shore Plaza Shooting
Prosecutors said Jose Rodriguez fired six shots at a group at the South Shore Plaza, but his bullets struck a teen girl in the chest.
BRAINTREE, MA — A man who authorities said shot a 15-year-old girl after a fight broke out at the South Shore Plaza pleaded not guilty Monday during his arraignment at Quincy District Court.
Jose Rodriguez, 21, of Boston, was charged with assault to murder, assault and battery on a child with substantial injuries, reckless endangerment of a child, assault and battery with a firearm and several gun charges.
Prosecutors said the shooting happened just before 4:30 p.m Friday while Rodriguez and others were in line at Expressions and a second group stood behind them.
Find out what's happening in Braintreefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Assistant District Attorney John Looney said Rodriquez turned to the second group and asked them if they were from Heath Street, a rival gang in Jamaica Plain, formerly known as the Bromley-Heath development. Looney said the fight broke out after Rodriguez asked the question.
"At one point all of a sudden, Mr. Rodriguez punched a woman who was standing in line resulting in a large brawl," Looney said.
Find out what's happening in Braintreefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The people in line told police they did not know Rodriguez or the people he was with.
Prosecutors said the brawl was broken up, and after Rodriguez left the store, he fired at least six shots towards the group, all of which missed the intended target, but some bullets hit a 15-year-old girl at Nordstrom. The girl suffered gunshot wounds to her chest and right hand. Prosecutors said she was an innocent bystander and had no connection to the two groups.
Police said the girl suffered non life-threatening injuries. Her name was not made public.
Prosecutors said Rodriguez and another suspect fled the South Shore Plaza, and the mall and its surrounding neighborhoods were placed under lockdown.
Authorities said Rodriguez hid a fanny pack inside a bush next to a parking garage before running off. Police later found the fanny pack and found a loaded 9mm handgun inside.
Police searched the area and found Rodriguez and another suspect in the woods about a half mile from the mall. The other suspect was later released.
Rodriquez was ordered held without bail until a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Friday.
More Patch Coverage:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
