Homicide Investigation Underway in New Bedford

New Bedford Police, State Police Detectives assigned to this office and Homicide Unit Prosecutors are actively investigating a homicide, which occurred early this morning in The City of New Bedford.

The city’s Shot Spotter gun shot detection system notified police of shots fired near the intersection of Acushnet Avenue and Blackmer Street around 1:37 a.m. Sunday. When first responders arrived in the area minutes later, they found the victim lying deceased in the street at the intersection.

The victim, Jeffrey Sylvia Jr., 24, of New Bedford, , was declared deceased at the scene. The state Medical Examiner’s Office has taken custody of the victim and will conduct an autopsy.

Police and Prosecutors immediately began conducting an active homicide investigation.

As of this moment, one individual has been arrested in connection with this ongoing investigation. Michael Sousa, 22, of 49 Acushnet Avenue, was charged shortly after 7 a.m. today with the obstruction of justice portion of the witness intimidation statute after allegedly misleading and obstructing investigators when he was questioned this morning at the New Bedford Police Station.

As the investigation remains extremely active and ongoing, no further information can be released at this time. Once this office confirms the victim’s next of kin have been notified of his death, we will send out a follow up advisory identifying him.

If anyone has any information regarding this case, they are urged to contact New Bedford Police at 508-961-6300 or to utilize the department’s anonymous tip line by calling 508-961-4584.
Contact:

Gregg Miliote
Director of Communications
508-997-0711
774-292-9576—cell