Boston Police and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office announced that the shooting death of a 23-year-old woman in her own Bickford Street home was the result of domestic violence on Nov. 19.
On that evening Boston Police responded to a report of shots fired at 60 Bickford Street and found 23-year-old Lodimira DosSantos, shot and suffering from life-threatening injuries. She would later succumb to her injuries.
Jose DosSantos, 32, who shared a last name with the victim, but were not married, was found dead from a gunshot wound, which was ruled self-inflicted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
“Domestic violence is about power and domination,” said Suffolk County District Attorney John Pappas. “Lodimira’s murder was committed by a man who could not or would not relinquish control over her, even in the very place she should have been safest – her own home.”
An investigation showed that Jose DosSantos went to Lodimira’s home with a knife and a 9mm handgun, threatening to kill her and himself. He also stabbed a 33-year-old man who was in the apartment and tried to prevent Jose from shooting Lodimira, according to the Suffolk County DA’s office. There was also an adult female in the apartment, who was not physically injured.
Witness statements and medical evidence showed that Jose shot Lodimira and then himself. Jose did possess an active license issued by the town of Randolph to carry a firearm, said the DA’s office.
“Domestic violence can take many forms,” said Pappas. “It occurs in relationships of all types, across every demographic. If you or a loved one see the red flags of verbal abuse, controlling behavior, or physical violence, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.”
Lodimira DosSantos leaves behind two children.
Victims of domestic violence can call SafeLink, a statewide domestic violence hotline at 877-785-2020, which is answered by trained advocates 24 hours a day in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Boston Police are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding this incident and anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Boston Police Homicide Detectives at 617-343-4470.