Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., stated she is "centering the victim" following the discovery of an 18-year-old woman shot dead inside a Boston home owned by her husband. The congresswoman's office confirmed she and her family were not involved in the incident.
The victim was identified by her family as 18-year-old Yoseliani Marte. Her family has claimed she died as a result of domestic violence, according to a GoFundMe post and reports from local news outlets. Boston police have not publicly identified the victim nor announced any arrests in connection with the shooting.
"As someone who has done the work advocating, you know, for accountability and healing for survivors of all crimes — yeah, my heart is heavy," Pressley said. "I’m just really centering the victim right now. And that’s what we all should be doing."
Pressley, who has an 18-year-old daughter, expressed her devastation for Marte's family, noting that the young woman "had her own plans and dreams that have all been cut short."
The residence where Marte was found is a two-family rental property owned by Pressley's husband, Conan Harris. It is not where the congresswoman or her husband live. The property is listed for sale. It remains unclear if Marte resided at the home.
Authorities stated the victim suffered a single gunshot wound. The manner of death is currently under investigation by Boston police. Marte's mother told Boston 25 News that she is focused on obtaining justice for her daughter, stating that "everything’s gonna come out."