Public’s Assistance Sought on 10th Anniversary of Cambridge Fatal Shooting of Charlene Holmes

CAMBRIDGE – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow are requesting assistance from the public on the tenth anniversary of the fatal shooting that took the life of 16-year-old Charlene Holmes and seriously injured a 17-year-old female.

“It has been ten years since Charlene Holmes was murdered outside  her home.  A truly innocent victim, her death is a tragic loss that continues to be felt by the entire community,” said District Attorney Ryan. “We know with certainty that there were witnesses present at the time of the shooting and, as we mark this sad day, I am renewing my call to the community for witnesses to come forward to authorities.”

“Charlene had an incredibly bright future ahead of her and her life was taken way too soon by a senseless act of violence. We remain firmly committed today as we did 10 years ago in bringing justice for Charlene and her loved ones,” said Commissioner Elow.

At approximately 8:02pm on June 3, 2012, Cambridge Police received a 911 call reporting a shooting on Willow Street in Cambridge. Upon arrival authorities located Charlene Holmes, and a 17-year-old female, who had both sustained gunshot wounds in an apparent drive by shooting. The victims were transported to a local area hospital where Charlene Holmes died.  The cause of death was ruled a single gunshot wound to the chest. The victims are not believed to have been the intended targets.

On this anniversary the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and the Cambridge Police Department are once again releasing photos of the suspect vehicle, a black four-door sedan, seen on Willow Street at the time of the shooting. Anyone who may recognize the vehicle is urged to contact authorities.

The Massachusetts State Police and Cambridge Police Department continue to follow leads and this remains an open and active investigation.

Members of the public with information they believe may be helpful to the investigation may contact Massachusetts State Police at (781) 897-6600 or Cambridge Police Criminal Investigations Section at (617) 349-3370. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by calling (617) 349-3359, online at www.cambridgepolice.org/tips or by sending a text message to Tip411 (847411), begin the message with Tip650 and then type a message.

The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Nicole Allain. The Victim Witness Advocate is Helena Clarke.