New Bedford Man Killed in Shooting Inside North End Bar

UPDATE: Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced the arrest of Danielson Varela, 19, in connection with the shooting.

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A New Bedford man was shot and killed and two women suffered gunshot wounds inside of a Near North End bar early Saturday morning.

According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, New Bedford Police responded to the Morna Lounge and Grill at 1621 Acushnet Avenue at about 1:21 a.m. today for a report of a shooting inside the business.

Police identified three gunshot victims, two females and one male. All three were taken to St. Luke’s Hospital.

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According to the D.A.’s Office, the male victim – identified as Cristiano Macedo, 27, of New Bedford – was pronounced deceased shortly after his arrival.

The two females – both in their 20s – underwent treatment for their injuries.

The D.A’s Office said the investigation is “extremely active” but could provide no further information.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell issued a statement on the shooting Saturday afternoon.

“There’s no place in our City for brazen acts of violence like this morning’s shooting,” he said. “New Bedford Police is working diligently with the Bristol County DA’s Office to apprehend the perpetrator and bring him to justice. Chief (Paul) Oliveira and I will urge the City’s licensing board to hold accountable any establishment where there has been a pattern of police incidents, including the bar where this morning’s incident took place.”

The Morna Lounge and the surrounding area has had other incidents of violence in recent years. In December 2021, the bar was placed on probation for one year following a string of license violations, including two separate fights at the bar that month.

Then in March 2022, New Bedford boxer Wilson “Ill Will” Mascarenhas was stabbed in an incident at Morna Lounge and Grill, and as a result police seized the bar’s liquor license, forcing it to close for several days.

The following month, the New Bedford Licensing Board agreed to loosen some of its restrictions placed on Morna Lounge following the incidents after the business made some modifications to its entertainment.

Then in August of last year, New Bedford resident Aaron Britto, 44, was found shot in the grass between the rear of Morna Lounge and Grill and a residence at 234 Earle Street. He died as a result of his injuries, and Anthony Jalo, 21, of New Bedford was arrested and charged with his murder.

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