A Hyde Park man was arrested for gun violence in connection with the death of a 17-year-old girl at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Crossing, authorities said late Friday.
Messiah Leggett, 20, was arrested in Spruce and Chestnut Streets following the shooting, but was not charged with the woman’s death, said Sgt. Detective John Boyle, a Boston police spokesman.
District Attorney Rachael Rollins said in a statement Friday night that Leggett is being held for possession of a firearm on $ 100,000 bail. His bail on an unrelated gun charge from West Roxbury has been revoked for 60 days, the prosecutor added.
The unidentified teenager was pronounced dead just before midnight Thursday at 1 Avenue De Lafayette, the address of the Hyatt Regency. It is considered a destination for “exquisite accommodations close to famous sights” in the heart of the city.
Upon arrival, the police found the teenager who was suffering from a gunshot wound. The call came at 11:26 p.m.
“My office is working closely with Boston Police detectives to find out exactly what happened at this hotel and what led to this kid’s death. We’re not going to rest until we know how this teenage girl was fatally wounded, ”Rollins said. “This is an active death investigation and my heart goes out to the family and loved ones of this victim.”
The prosecutor added that Leggett was “seen on video leaving the hotel with two escorts and crossing Boston Common” and a gun was recovered nearby.
Guests speaking to the Herald were stunned by the news of the murder and said the hotel had not told them about it or told them to stay in their rooms after it happened.
“I slept and didn’t hear any gunshots,” said a 40-year-old man from France who checked out on Friday and refused to give his name. “I’m not from here, so I don’t know if there’s a lot going on in the US. I’m surprised.”
A Boston police vehicle stayed outside the hotel well into the morning. The hotel management declined to comment and said they would make a statement at some point.
The Herald has learned that police are investigating whether the hotel room where the woman was killed was the location of a party – a report a city council was looking for answers.
“I reached out to the Boston City Licensing Authority to work with hotels so we could provide security but also (enforce) physical distancing,” said Alderman Ed Flynn. “Social and physical distancing has to be part of it.”
Flynn called spontaneously for a long time Parties in private homes during the pandemic while bars in Boston are closed. The Boston Police Department, even before the coronavirus ran a “party line,” can be called to drop a dime for overflowing gatherings.
In another murder on Thursday, police responded to a person shot in the Capen and Evans area of Dorchester.
Upon arrival, the officers found a man with a gunshot wound. Boston EMS arrived on site and pronounced the victim dead. He was reportedly found in a car.
Both cases remain open and the police are seeking public help in both cases.
