Taunton Fatal Shooting Investigation

Bristol County District Attorney’s Office
Thomas M. Quinn III
District Attorney

Press Release
March 15, 2016
Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police and Prosecutors from the Bristol County District Attorney’s office are actively investigating a fatal shooting, which occurred in the City of Taunton last night.

At around 8:30 last night, Taunton Police responded to a report of shots fired in an apartment at 103 Hart Street, Building Five. Upon arrival, police first located the occupant of the apartment waiting for them on a balcony and then found the deceased inside the apartment.

The deceased has been identified as Dominque Scott, 23, of Taunton.

According to a preliminary investigation, the occupant of the apartment, identified as 24-year-old Nicholas Hoard, opened his apartment door after hearing knocking. Once he opened the door, two masked and armed men forced themselves inside. One of the men held Mr. Hoard at gunpoint while the other rummaged through the apartment, according to the preliminary investigation. While the suspect rummaging through the apartment was out of sight, Mr. Hoard was able to disarm the suspect who was holding him in a headlock.

At this time, according to the preliminary investigation, the suspect rummaging through the apartment came back into the main area of the apartment due to the commotion of fighting and drew his firearm upon Mr. Hoard. Mr. Hoard shot the suspect, later identified as Mr. Scott, one time. The second, unidentified suspect, then fled the apartment on foot while Mr. Hoard called 911.

Mr. Hoard is continuing to be questioned by police and prosecutors, and the second home invasion suspect is being sought. Mr. Hoard does not face any criminal charges in relation to this incident at this time. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and no further information will be disseminated at this time.

If the second suspect is arrested or more information can be shared, a follow up press release will be sent out.

This incident has no relation to a homicide investigation also going on in another area of Taunton. More information regarding that case is forthcoming this morning.

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