Massachusetts

Taunton man, 32, found shot to death in shed

The victim has been identified as Jhonny Lajoie, officials said Saturday night. No arrests have been announced.

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A 32-year-old man was found dead Saturday morning in Taunton, Massachusetts, and a homicide investigation is underway.

Information is limited at this point, but the Bristol County District Attorney's Office announced it is actively investigating a homicide that occurred sometime Saturday morning on Highland Street.

According to the DA's office, Taunton police responded to 155 Highland Street around 9:45 a.m. for a report of a dead man in a furnished shed. Investigators on scene determined the victim had been shot to death. He was identified late Saturday night as Jhonny Lajoie.

Police tape was blocking off a large, yellow home for much of the day Saturday, with crime scene technicians and homicide detectives on scene investigating for nearly 12 hours.

Neighbors like Bob Pollard were shocked to see the heavy police presence, saying they've never witnessed anything like this.

Pollard said when he returned from his grandson's game, he was hoping it was an accident, but shortly after, he and his wife realized it had to be worse.

"We knew it had to be a murder or suicide. Something crazy. Like what has happened?" Pollard said. "Just awful, awful for the family."

Pollard, who has lived in the neighborhood his whole life, tells NBC10 Boston that he doesn't know who lives across the street but that he believes it's a group of younger guys who often hang out in the shed.

"I’ve seen them in there, you know, having parties or something like that," Pollard said, noting that he walks his dog all the time.

No information has been released on a possible suspect, or motive in the killing. The DA's office tells NBC10 Boston that there is no reason to suspect the public is in any danger in regards to this incident.

A number of neighbors say they still feel safe, as Pollard adds he believes this was an isolated incident.

The investigation is extremely active, and further details cannot be released at this time, officials said.

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