On the evening of January 30, 2026, a 54-year-old woman, Elizabeth "Liz" Kut Almeida, and her 25-year-old son, Nicholas Almeida, were fatally shot in their Fall River, Massachusetts home. The incident, which unfolded at approximately 8:05 p.m. at 431 Barnes Street, prompted a 911 call to the Fall River Police. Responding officers discovered both Elizabeth and Nicholas suffering from gunshot wounds.
Despite being transported to a local hospital, both mother and son were pronounced deceased.
At the scene, authorities located 54-year-old Arlington Cole, who was in a dating relationship with Elizabeth Almeida. A firearm was also recovered at the residence. Reports indicate that a male caller had informed the 911 dispatcher that he had just shot his wife and son and that the weapon was on the kitchen table. Cole was subsequently taken into custody.
In the wake of the double homicide, friends and acquaintances remembered Liz as a wonderful mother who created a welcoming home for her son's friends, treating them as if they were her own family. Nicholas was recalled for his sense of humor and his passion for fishing. The community has been left to mourn the loss of two lives described as sweet and kind-hearted.
Arlington Cole has been charged with two counts of Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon causing Serious Bodily Injury. The investigation into the fatal shootings is being conducted by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office, in conjunction with the Fall River Police Department.
