Boston Marathon Features On wbztv.com
Apr 22, 2008 7:02 pm US/Eastern
Boston Police Step Up Forces After Man's Murder
Jim Smith, WBZ Reporter
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Boston police gave a show of force Tuesday in Jamaica Plain in wake of a deadly shooting on a basketball court Monday afternoon.
Commissioner Ed Davis walked along Centre Street, reassuring residents that police will do everything they can to stop violence.
Davis said Boston police are doing all they can to solve crimes and to help prevent them by going into the community.
On Monday, 20-year-old Luis Troncoso was shot to death in broad daylight at the Southwest Corridor park in Jamaica Plain.
Just days earlier, two men were hit by bullets in a drive-by shooting.
It's a crime wave that brought Davis and Boston police officers to the community, promising results.
"We do see an increase in violence in the summer months," Davis said. "So we're prepared for that and we do have good strategies in place. We are pursuing impact players."
Friends of Troncoso gather Tuesday night at the murder scene under the watchful eye of Boston police.
The shootings have frayed nerves in Jamaica Plain's Jackson Square, which is why local business owners said they were glad to see Davis.
"We're very concerned because through the years the crime has been going down in the area," said business owner Fernando Mercedes. "And what happened yesterday is kind of sad for us."
Los Angeles Police Chief Bill Bratton, who is the former Boston police Superintendent was in town this week. Bratton said they key to combating violence is to get into the community.
"You work with neighborhoods that are willing to give you information," Bratton said. "I know there's a big campaign of don't snitch to police. Fortunately, most people aren't listening to that campaign and are giving information."
Plain clothes officers were getting ready Tuesday night to go out into the community to solve crimes.
Bratton dealt with more than 400 murders in Los Angeles last year. Troncoso's killing is the 18th Boston murder so far this year compared to 17 at the same time last year.
Massachusetts State police officers will be assisting Boston police in their efforts.
Anyone with information about Troncoso's killing is asked to contact the Suffolk County State Police unit at 617-727-8817.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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