FALL RIVER, A man romantically involved with one of the victims has been arrested in the fatal shooting of a Fall River mother and her son in Massachusetts.
Arlington Cole, 54, was charged with two counts of murder and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. Authorities say Cole is accused of shooting and killing 25-year-old Nicholas Almeida and his mother, 54-year-old Elizabeth Almeida, on January 30.
The shooting occurred on Barnes Street in Fall River at around 8 p.m. Friday night. Both victims were transported to a hospital, where they were later pronounced dead, police said in a statement.
Officials have not released a confirmed motive in the case.
According to reports, Cole contacted dispatch and stated that he had shot his wife and son and that the gun was on the kitchen table.
Police said Cole was in a dating relationship with Elizabeth Almeida.
Cole was found at the scene along with a firearm. He was initially charged with two counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon before the charges were later upgraded, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created to assist with funeral expenses.
Authorities continue to investigate what led up to the deadly shooting and have said additional information will be released as the case develops.
