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Officials reflect on a year after the Holyoke shooting ended in the death of an unborn child

Officials reflect on a year after the Holyoke shooting ended in the death of an unborn child

HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Friday marks one year since the day that shook the city of Holyoke to its core when a pregnant woman riding on a PVTA bus was caught in the crossfire of a shooting that occurred in Death of her baby Ezekiel. On October 4, 2023, shots were fired during an altercation at the intersection of Sargeant and Maple Streets, striking a pregnant woman sitting on the bus.

“When I heard this news, I burst into tears. It was like I just broke down crying in that office,” Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia said.

The incident affected many, including Garcia, who is the father of 12-year-old twins. He told Western Mass News that he rushed to the hospital to be with family.

“This is the first time I was actually shocked and worried and questioned why I was here,” Garcia explained. “I can’t imagine anyone having to experience what Selena experienced that day when she wrote a trustworthy public transportation system and it was well received.”

Five suspects have been charged in this case. Three of them remain behind bars awaiting trial. Meanwhile, Garcia told Western Mass News that mother and victim Selena Santana and her family are recovering, but Garcia stressed that nothing can justify the loss of an unborn child during a bus ride.

“The upcoming anniversary has an emotional impact… as far as her injury goes, she can walk. She’s doing much better,” Garcia added.

The work continues to help make Holyoke a safer city to live, work and visit.

“Every corner of our city should be able to live a decent, healthy and safe life,” Garcia said. “It bothers me that my kids can play outside and not have to worry about what’s going on while other kids don’t have the same privilege.”

Last year, Garcia proposed Ezekiel’s plan, named after the baby lost on that fateful day. The plan included $1 million to fund strategies to improve the health and safety of neighborhoods. Although the city council did not approve the plan, work continues.

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