By Tiffany Williams –
CARVER, Mass. — A quiet Saturday night in this Plymouth County town of 11,645 erupted into chaos when a shooting at St. John the Baptist Club left two dead and two hospitalized, authorities said.
Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz told reporters at a midnight press conference that Carver police began receiving multiple 911 calls around 7:22 p.m. Saturday reporting gunfire during what appeared to be a child’s party on Silva Street.
First responders found four male victims. A 27-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. A 20-year-old man was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. A 28-year-old man was airlifted to a Boston hospital, and a 32-year-old man was transported by Carver EMS to an area hospital. Both are believed to be in stable condition. Authorities have not released any names.
“What happened here tonight is a terrible act of violence,” Cruz said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the individuals who passed away, and we are focused on holding the other individuals who are accountable responsible for these acts.”
The alleged shooter, a 22-year-old man, initially fled the scene but was soon taken into custody by Carver police. He is expected to be arraigned Monday or Tuesday, depending on the weather. Officials did not release his name.
Cruz said the incident was not random. “There was one shooter, that individual is in custody, and this was not a random act,” he said. “People here in the town of Carver should feel safe. There’s no ongoing threat.” Authorities said all individuals involved are believed to know each other.
Carver Police Chief Marc Duphily described the night as heartbreaking. “Events like this affect everyone, especially in a small tightknit community like Carver,” he said. Duphily praised officers for responding quickly, securing the scene, and taking the suspect into custody.
Carver police posted a public safety alert on Facebook around 9:15 p.m., urging residents to avoid Silva Street while officers investigated. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact detectives.
Officials did not confirm the exact number of people at the gathering, including children, but Cruz noted the event appeared to be a child’s birthday party.
“This is not a random act. There was one shooter, that individual is in custody, and this was not a random act,” Cruz repeated, emphasizing that the community has no ongoing threat.
This small town remains shaken as police continue to investigate, leaving residents grappling with the violence that tore through what should have been a night of celebration.