A second New Bedford woman has been arrested in connection with a Taunton house party shooting that killed one man and injured seven others, authorities said.
Malkiah Cunningham, 25, is charged with one count of murder and seven counts of armed assault with intent to murder in connection with the shooting at a home on Weir Street. She is expected to be arraigned Friday morning in Taunton District Court.
The shooting happened shortly after midnight Sunday, Sept. 6, at a home at 261 Weir Street. Police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire and found several victims at and near the property. Eight people, all in their early 20s, were shot.
Zirovick Depina, 22, of Brockton, was pronounced dead after suffering a gunshot wound. The other seven victims survived. One victim was reported to be in serious but stable condition, while the remaining victims suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening.
Cunningham’s arrest comes one day after another New Bedford woman, 25-year-old Sienna Barboza, was arrested in the case. Barboza faces one murder charge and seven counts of armed assault with intent to murder. She was arraigned Thursday and ordered held without bail.
Investigators Trace SUV After Shooting
According to prosecutors, investigators connected Barboza to an SUV that was seen near the scene around the time of the shooting.
Authorities said cellphone evidence showed searches for directions to the Weir Street address before the gunfire. Surveillance footage allegedly showed the SUV passing the house and later stopping near railroad tracks. Two people were then seen leaving the vehicle, prosecutors said.
Investigators allege the two people later returned to the SUV and were driven back to New Bedford. Surveillance footage also allegedly showed the three people entering Barboza’s apartment afterward.
Prosecutors have also said investigators found evidence on Barboza’s phone linking her to the location. Her attorney has argued that she was the driver and that there was no indication she had a weapon.
The investigation also uncovered 14 9mm shell casings at the scene, according to prosecutors.
Victims Were Attending House Party
The shooting occurred during a large gathering at the Weir Street home. Police and emergency crews responded after receiving several emergency calls shortly after 12:30 a.m. Sunday.
Neighbors described a large police response and efforts to get injured people to hospitals. Investigators returned to the area as they worked to determine what led to the shooting and identify those responsible.
The case remains under investigation by Taunton police and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Cunningham’s court appearance is expected Friday morning. Barboza is scheduled to return to court Oct. 7 for a probable-cause hearing.
The charges against both women are allegations. They are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
