On the evening of December 5, 2023, the city of Brockton was disturbed by the sound of gunfire. Police were called to the vicinity of 28 Lexington Street and Green Street at approximately 6:17 p.m. Upon arrival, first responders discovered a man suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. The victim was identified as Marvin Hill, a 35-year-old Black / African American male.
He was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital for initial treatment and then airlifted by MedFlight to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston due to the severity of his injuries. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Hill was pronounced dead from his injuries.
Investigators from the Brockton Police and Massachusetts State Police immediately began to piece together the events of that evening. It was quickly determined by authorities that the shooting did not appear to be a random act of violence. The investigation pointed toward a specific individual, and just three days later, on December 8, investigators sought and obtained an arrest warrant for a suspect. A manhunt was initiated to locate the person believed to be responsible for Marvin Hill's death.
The search for the primary suspect concluded on December 20, 2023, when Massachusetts State Police located and apprehended 33-year-old Donta Hood at a residence in Assonet. Hood was taken into custody and subsequently arraigned in Brockton District Court. He faced a series of charges, including one count of murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, discharging a weapon within 500 feet of a building, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Hood pleaded not guilty to all charges and was ordered to be held without bail.
As the legal process continued, a Plymouth County grand jury returned indictments against Hood, formally charging him with murder and several firearm-related offenses, citing his status as an armed career criminal. The investigation also led to charges against a second individual. Leon Shelby, 34, was indicted on one count of being an accessory after the fact to murder, widening the scope of the case surrounding the death of Marvin Hill. Hood is scheduled for arraignment in Brockton Superior Court at a later date, while an arrest warrant was issued for Shelby.
