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Dorchester Man Arrested and Charged in Giovanni “Gio” Bala Killing

Prosecutors say investigators believe the fatal May shooting occurred during a chaotic parking-lot gunfight in which the suspect fired the shot that killed his friend.

Overview

  • The arrest of 23-year-old Justin Ferrer was made near 1931 Dorchester Ave on a Dorchester Municipal Court warrant, and police announced the charge Wednesday.
  • Giovanni “Gio” Bala, 22, was shot after leaving a Cape Verdean restaurant on May 22 and later died at a local hospital from a chest wound.
  • Prosecutors told reporters that Ferrer and Bala were on one side of a multi-person exchange of gunfire and that investigators say Ferrer accidentally shot Bala during the confusion.
  • Surveillance video obtained by local media shows several people firing in a nearby parking lot and bystanders running for cover, evidence officials are using as they build the case.
  • Court records show no public arraignment date yet and investigators continue to develop charges and evidence while Bala’s family and the Dorchester community seek answers.