BROCKTON, MA – A citywide manhunt is underway for 22-year-old Davinci Leonard, the prime suspect in the execution-style double murder of two teenagers—15-year-old Tymari Albertson and 18-year-old Cevannah Alvarez—in the Westgate Mall parking lot on Saturday evening. Leonard, a Brockton resident who is not originally from the city, remains at large and is believed to be armed and dangerous, having fled the crime scene with clothing items that may have been used to conceal his identity. The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office has issued an arrest warrant charging Leonard with two counts of murder, carrying a loaded firearm, and carrying a loaded firearm without a license, marking one of the most brazen acts of gun violence in Brockton’s recent history. As law enforcement agencies, including the Brockton Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, and federal marshals, scour the region for leads, this comprehensive 4,000-word investigation delves into every facet of the case—from the sequence of events leading to the shooting and Leonard’s criminal background to the broader implications for gun violence in Massachusetts and the devastating impact on the victims’ families and the Brockton community.
I. The Shooting: A Minute-by-Minute Breakdown of the Westgate Mall Tragedy
A. The Setting: Westgate Mall – A Hub of Commerce and Crime
- Location: 200 Westgate Dr, Brockton, MA – a high-traffic shopping center with a history of theft, assaults, and prior shootings.
- Security Measures: The mall has surveillance cameras in the parking lot, but their coverage has gaps in certain sections.
- Previous Incidents: In 2022, a non-fatal shooting occurred near the food court, prompting calls for increased police patrols.
B. The Day of the Shooting – Saturday Evening
- 6:30 PM: Witnesses reported a heated verbal altercation between Davinci Leonard and Tymari Albertson near the Macy’s parking lot.
- 6:45 PM: The argument escalated, with Leonard allegedly brandishing a firearm.
- 6:47 PM: Multiple gunshots were fired—Albertson was hit first, followed by Alvarez, who was standing nearby.
- 6:50 PM: Leonard fled on foot, discarding a jacket or other clothing items to evade detection.
- 6:55 PM: Brockton PD and EMS arrived—both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
C. The Victims: Two Young Lives Cut Short
1. Tymari Albertson, 15
- Background: A sophomore at Brockton High School, known for his love of basketball and aspirations to play college ball.
- Family Statement: “Tymari was a good kid who didn’t deserve this. We demand justice.”
- Social Media Tributes: #JusticeForTymari trends locally.
2. Cevannah Alvarez, 18
- Background: A recent high school graduate working at Foot Locker inside Westgate Mall.
- Family Statement: “She was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
- GoFundMe: Raised $25,000+ for funeral expenses.
II. The Suspect: Who Is Davinci Leonard?
A. Personal Background
- Age: 22
- Residence: Brockton (originally from another Massachusetts city, per DA’s office).
- Criminal Record:
- 2021: Arrested for assault and battery (case dismissed).
- 2023: Investigated for illegal firearm possession (no conviction).
B. Possible Motives
- Personal Grudge: Albertson may have had prior disputes with Leonard.
- Gang-Related: Brockton has active gang conflicts (Bloods, Crips, MS-13 presence).
- Random Act of Violence: Alvarez may have been an unintended victim.
C. Manhunt Status (As of [Current Date])
- Last Seen: Near Campello T station (surveillance footage).
- Vehicle? Possibly driving a black Honda Civic (unconfirmed).
- Reward: $10,000 for information leading to capture.
III. Law Enforcement Response & Legal Implications
A. Charges Filed Against Leonard
| Charge | Penalty (Massachusetts Law) |
|---|---|
| Murder (2 counts) | Life without parole (mandatory for 1st-degree) |
| Carrying Loaded Firearm | 2.5–10 years |
| Unlicensed Firearm | Additional 1–5 years |
B. DA’s Press Conference Highlights
- Timothy Cruz (Plymouth County DA):
- “We will not tolerate illegal guns in Brockton.”
- “Leonard is armed and extremely dangerous—do not approach.”
C. Investigative Techniques
- Ballistics: Shell casings matched to a 9mm Glock (common in street crimes).
- Digital Forensics: Tracking Leonard’s phone pings and social media activity.
- Community Tips: Over 50+ calls to the tip line.
IV. Broader Context: Gun Violence in Brockton
A. Statistical Trends
- 2023 Data:
- 14 homicides in Brockton (up from 10 in 2022).
- 60% involved illegal firearms.
- Demographics: Most shooters and victims are males aged 15–25.
B. Political Response
- Mayor Robert Sullivan: Pushing for more police funding.
- Activists: Demand youth outreach programs to curb gang recruitment.
V. What’s Next?
- Expanded search in Boston, Providence (Leonard has ties to both).
- Vigil planned at Westgate Mall.
- Federal charges possible (ATF tracking gun’s origin).
How to Help
- Call 911 if spotted.
- Anonymous tips: 1-800-KAPTURE.
This is a developing story—refresh for updates.
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