Jaylani Cole, 20, was shot just after 3:30 a.m. on June 25, 2025, in the parking lot of the BJ’s Wholesale Club at 688 Providence Highway in Dedham. Police responding to multiple 911 calls found him with gunshot wounds; he was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead. A second 20-year-old man was also shot, underwent surgery, and was expected to recover.

Early statements from authorities said detectives from the Massachusetts State Police and Dedham Police treated the scene as an active investigation. Investigators later said the violence unfolded during a late-night vehicle meet-up that had been coordinated through social media. Authorities publicly identified Cole as a Brockton native and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

On July 20 prosecutors announced the first arrest, Franci Villar, 23, of Dorchester, on charges including armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a firearm, and several firearms offenses connected to the shooting. Subsequent arrests and charges were reported in the following months as the case moved through court.

Did anyone witness the June 25 meet-up at the BJ’s parking lot or have information about the people involved?