'We Can't Explain It,' Menino Says Of Holiday Violence

BOSTON -- It was a violent Fourth of July evening around Boston, as six people were shot, and two of them were killed, police said.

A 17-year-old boy was shot in the head and killed at a cookout on Edwardson Street in Hyde Park at about 8 p.m., police said.

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In a separate shooting in Hyde Park, four people were shot on West Street, near Hyde Park Avenue, and suffered nonlife-threatening injuries, police said.

And early Saturday morning, a 21-year-old man, who was walking with friends, was killed in a shooting on Dabney Street in Roxbury, police said. The killing was Boston's 33rd of the year, one more than at this time last year.

“We can’t explain it. We never know what’s going to happen, but last night was one of those nights we all regret,” said Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.

“We’re out there doing the best we can, and we’ve got some real leads on a couple of the cases,” he said.

Police have not announced arrests in any of the shootings.

“This stuff has got to stop, it has got to stop. I’m tired of it. Every time you turn around another one of our children is being hurt,” said a resident who wanted to remain anonymous.

Anyone with information about the shootings is urged to call 617-343-4470. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call 1-800-494-TIPS, or text the word “TIP” to 27463.