In the early morning hours of November 1, 2023, just after the remnants of Halloween celebrations had quieted in Salem, Massachusetts, a tragic event unfolded that would cut short a promising young life. Carl Hens Beliard, an 18-year-old Black/African American male, was found inside a crashed vehicle on Forest Avenue, not far from the Salem State University campus where he was a freshman. He was suffering from gunshot wounds and was rushed to Salem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The car showed visible signs of the violence, with at least one bullet hole shattering a window. Authorities quickly determined the shooting did not appear to be a random act of violence, bringing a small measure of relief to a shaken campus community, but little comfort to those who knew and loved the young man.
Beliard, who was from Worcester, was a celebrated athlete on the cusp of his college basketball career with the Salem State Vikings. He had been a standout player at Worcester North High School, leading his team to a historic Division 1 state championship. Friends, family, and coaches remembered him as an ambitious and positive young man with a smile that could light up a room. His death sent shockwaves through both the Salem State and Worcester communities. The president of Salem State University described the tragedy as every parent's worst nightmare, and counselors were made available to support grieving students and staff. Beliard’s mother, Altagrace, was left heartbroken, recalling her last conversation with her son about his plans to come home for Thanksgiving and to celebrate what would have been his 19th birthday on November 11th.
The investigation into the shooting moved swiftly. By that same evening, police arrested 18-year-old Missael Pena Canela of Salem and charged him with murder. Details emerged during Canela's arraignment, where he pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors stated that a woman who had been in an "on and off again" relationship with Canela was in the car with Beliard at the time of the shooting. It was alleged that Canela admitted to looking for the woman and firing at the vehicle as it drove away. Canela's attorney, however, stated that the alleged confession was news to her and maintained her client's innocence. Canela was ordered to be held without bail.
