Police looking for suspects after two Stoughton High School students shot, one deceased

A Massachusetts high school student is dead, and another is injured after both were shot.

According to police, at just before 12:30 p.m. on Friday, officers assigned to District B-3 (Mattapan) responded to the area of Gladeside Avenue and Donwood Terrace for a report of a person shot.

Upon arrival, officers located two victims inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to local hospitals, one with non-life-threatening injuries, the male victim with life threatening injuries. The male victim has since been pronounced deceased.

Stoughton Public Schools stated that the deceased victim is Christian Cousins, SHS class of 2025, while with another SHS student. The second student was also shot but sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The second student’s identity is currently not being released by officials.

A member of Cousins’ family issued a statement.

“With a heavy heart, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our Christian Cousins, who left us yesterday in Boston, Massachusetts. Christian, the son of Dr. Shalair Armstrong and Eric Cousins, had a quiet, gentle spirit and a kind heart that touched everyone who knew him. Christian loved his Stoughton High friends and his family so much, and we all loved him so much.

“During this incredibly sensitive time, we kindly ask for privacy as we navigate our grief. We know how much you all loved Christian and care for our family. Right now, your prayers and thoughts mean the world to us. If you wish to reach out, please consider sending a text rather than calling.

“Thank you for your love, understanding and support.”

The Boston Police Department’s Homicide Unit is actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit ay 617-343-4470.

Community members wishing to assist in this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to help this investigation in an anonymous manner.