On the evening of February 9, 2020, a young Black / African American man named Ailson Barbosa, 22 years old, was fatally shot in Brockton, Massachusetts. The incident marked the city's first homicide of the year. Police responded to reports of gunfire around 8:50 p.m. and discovered Barbosa in the stairwell of a residence at 117 Belmont Avenue, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
He was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators found numerous evidence markers at the scene, and bullet holes were visible on the front door and exterior walls of the building where Barbosa was found. The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office, along with State and Brockton Police, immediately launched an investigation into what they termed a "fatal shooting." At the time, authorities did not announce any arrests and appealed to the public for any information regarding the incident.
The case of Ailson Barbosa's death remains unsolved. As of early 2023, no suspects had been publicly identified or arrested in connection with his murder. In an effort to generate new leads, his case was featured on a set of unsolved homicide playing cards distributed by law enforcement, with his card being highlighted by State Police. Authorities continue to ask anyone with information to come forward.
