New jersey man jonathan reyes-contreras arrested in deadly massachusetts shooting near parked car

A man from New Jersey was taken into custody Sunday in connection with a fatal shooting in Fitchburg that left one person dead outside a vehicle in the early morning hours, prosecutors said.

Jonathan Reyes-Contreras, 42, has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Shortly after midnight on Sunday, Fitchburg officers responded to Mechanic Street following reports of gunfire. When officers arrived at approximately 12:15 a.m., they discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound outside a vehicle.

The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.

Reyes-Contreras was arrested the same day. Authorities did not release details on how he was identified as a suspect or whether the victim and suspect knew each other.

He is scheduled to be arraigned in Fitchburg District Court on Monday.

Key Points

Jonathan Reyes-Contreras, 42, arrested in connection with Fitchburg shooting
One man found shot outside a vehicle early Sunday on Mechanic Street
Victim died at hospital; suspect faces two felony charges

A quiet Fitchburg street turned into a crime scene after a deadly shooting left one man dead and another in handcuffs.

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