BROCKTON – On Wednesday afternoon, law enforcement officials responded to a 911 call reporting a possible crime at 643 North Main St. upon arrival, first responders discovered two deceased individuals, according to the Plymouth DA’s office.

The female victim, identified as 18-year-old Yoraily Santos, was found on the kitchen floor with multiple gunshot wounds. The suspect,identified as 22-year-old Starli Roa Taveras,was found in a bedroom with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A firearm was located near his body.

Brockton Police contacted Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Plymouth DA’s office, leading to the launch of a thorough investigation.

Authorities believe that the only individuals present in the apartment during the shooting were Taveras and Santos, based on video surveillance and witness statements. Investigators also uncovered evidence suggesting a prior relationship between the two, marked by a history of domestic violence.

A search of the apartment yielded a Glock 19 Gen 5 firearm equipped with an optic sight. The weapon had an empty magazine but contained one 9mm round in the chamber. additionally,investigators recovered nine shell casings and seven projectiles from the scene.

The Investigation

The Plymouth DA’s office is leading the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Yoraily Santos and Starli Roa Taveras. Detectives are working to determine the exact sequence of events and the motivations behind the apparent murder-suicide.

investigators learned from witness interviews that they had a relationship and a history of domestic violence.

Understanding Murder-Suicides

Murder-suicides are complex events with a variety of contributing factors. They often involve intimate partner violence, mental health issues, and access to firearms. Experts emphasize the importance of recognizing warning signs and seeking help for individuals at risk.