On September 2, 2024, a deadly shooting occurred at the Exclusive Barbershop and Salon located on Washington Street in Dorchester, Boston. The incident resulted in the death of 20-year-old Elijah Ricardo Clunie, a resident of Dorchester. Clunie and another adult male were shot inside the barbershop just before 1 p.m. Both victims were transported to local hospitals with life-threatening injuries, but Clunie was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The second victim, whose name has not been released, is expected to survive.
The shooting was not random, according to police. The suspect, identified as Diamond Jose Brito, 32, of Canton, Massachusetts, entered the barbershop earlier and asked how long a haircut would take. He was told it would be 20 to 30 minutes, and he left. Brito returned later and allegedly fired one fatal shot into Clunie's head as he sat in the barber's chair. He then fired multiple shots at the other victim.
Brito was arrested on October 10, 2024, around 7 p.m. in the area of 10 Temple Street, Mattapan, by members of the Boston Police Fugitive Unit, Massachusetts State Police, and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. He was wanted on several warrants issued out of Dorchester District Court for Clunie's murder. Brito was arraigned the following day and held without bail, with orders not to have any contact with the surviving victim and witnesses. He is due back in court on November 5.
Clunie's family has been deeply affected by his death. His mother and uncle attended the arraignment and expressed their grief and anger towards Brito, calling him a coward. Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden described the shooting as 'deplorable and heartless' and emphasized the need to pursue justice for Clunie's family, noting that such incidents can severely impact neighborhoods and communities.
The incident is part of a broader pattern of violence targeting barbershops in Boston. Recent years have seen several similar incidents, including other fatal shootings and armed robberies at barbershops in various neighborhoods. This has raised concerns about public safety and the need for increased protection in these establishments.
