Thursday Morning Update: Authorities have arrested an individual charged with shooting a Salem State University student, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker and Salem Police Chief Lucas Miller announced Wednesday evening.
Missael Pena Canela, 18 of Salem is charged with Murder in connection with the November 1st early morning shooting of Carl-Hens Beliard, 18, in the vicinity of 22 Forest Avenue.
On Wednesday, November 1, 2023, Salem Police received a 911 call for a report of a shooting. Officers arrived on scene and found Beliard suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to Salem Hospital and was subsequently pronounced deceased.
Canela was arrested on Wednesday evening by Salem Police detectives and members of the Essex County State Police Detectives Unit and will be arraigned on Thursday at Salem District Court. Assistant District Attorney Erin Bellavia is the assigned prosecutor.
This continues to be an active and ongoing investigation.
Wednesday Morning Update
Essex County District Attorney Report: A Salem State University student was fatally shot in Salem early Wednesday morning. Responses coming this morning from local leaders; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker, Salem Police Chief Lucas Miller, and Salem State University President John Keenan, Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo.
The Salem Police Department received a 911 call at approximately 1:24 a.m. for a report of a shooting in the area of 22 Forest Avenue.
Officers responding to that location found 18-year-old Carl Hens Beliard inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to Salem Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
The shooting is being investigated by members of the Essex County District Attorney’s Office State Police Detective Unit and detectives from the Salem Police Department. Based on the preliminary investigation, this does not appear to be a random act of violence or that there is any on-going threat to the SSU community. DA Tucker said “This senseless gun violence is tragic not only for the victim’s family but for the SSU community and beyond. State Police detectives assigned to my office are working closely with the Salem Police Department and Salem State University officials to identify and bring the person responsible to justice.”
President Keenan stated, “As both the Salem State president and a college dad, this tragedy is heartbreaking for all in our community and every parent’s worst nightmare.”
“On behalf of the City of Salem, our hearts go out to the Beliard family and to the Salem State University community,” said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “I’m grateful to the Salem Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, District Attorney’s office, and SSU Police for all of their swift action in response to this terrible act of violence, and I’m hopeful that their efforts will quickly bring the responsible party to justice for this crime.”
Salem Police Chief Lucas Miller stated, “Our hearts are very much with the Beliard family and the Salem State University family. Violence such as this has no place in Salem, and we will pursue the perpetrators with all of our ability and determination.”
