An 18-year-old Salem State University student-athlete was fatally shot in the early hours of November 1, 2023, amidst the city’s local Halloween festivities.
Carl-Hens Beliard, a freshman from Worcester, Massachusetts, and a member of the Salem State University basketball team, was found with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle near 22 Forest Avenue, near the university in Salem, Massachusetts. Authorities received a 911 call reporting the incident and immediately responded. Emergency personnel transported Beliard to Salem Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
According to the Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker, the shooting did not appear to be a random act of violence. This sentiment was echoed by other officials, reassuring the public and the Salem State University community that there was no ongoing threat.
Beliard was not only a student but also a dedicated and accomplished athlete. He had previously played for the North High School basketball team in Worcester, and his contributions were instrumental in leading the team to a state championship.
Friends, coaches, and acquaintances remembered Beliard as a joyful person who always wore a smile on his face, had a passion for basketball, and stayed clear of trouble.
Law enforcement officials moved swiftly, arresting 18-year-old Missael Peña Canela of Salem and charging him for his involvement in Beliard’s murder.
Reports suggest that an altercation may have occurred between Beliard and Peña Canela near the intersection of Forest Avenue and Lussier Street leading up to the shooting. Officials have yet to confirm specific details, including a motive.
Following the incident, Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo expressed his deep sadness, characterizing the incident as a “terrible act of violence.” He extended his condolences to Beliard’s family, friends, and the university community.
The university president, John Keenan, reflecting on the incident, shared the profound pain of the Salem State community. Referring to the shooting as “heartbreaking,” the president highlighted the dread that every parent feels when sending their child off to college, only for them to face such peril.
Authorities are working closely with university officials and Salem police to uncover more details about the incident. The shooting occurred during Salem’s annual Halloween celebration, a time when the city is brimming with excitement and festivity.
Salem State University community members, including students and the basketball coach held a memorial in his honor.
