Boston police are investigating the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old woman whose body was discovered inside a rental property owned by the husband of Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley.

Authorities say the congresswoman and her husband were not living at the home, and investigators have not suggested they are connected to the crime. Instead, detectives are focused on determining who killed the young woman and what led to her death.

MOM KNOWS Fox 25 Boston interviews Mom of Yoseliani “Liani” Marte found dead of a gunshot wound in a rental home owned by the husband of Congresswoman Pressley. Full interview: https://t.co/ehykvGBX1h pic.twitter.com/PKjTKTWzKc

— JohnFGately (@johnfgately) July 21, 2026

Police Respond to Welfare Check

The investigation began Saturday afternoon after officers responded to a welfare check at a home on Malta Street in Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood.

Inside the residence, police found a young woman suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Boston Police’s Homicide Unit immediately took over the investigation, securing the property while detectives collected evidence and interviewed potential witnesses.

Authorities have not announced any arrests, and no suspect has been publicly identified.

What Investigators Know

• Victim: Yoseliani “Liani” Marte, 18
• Location: Malta Street, Mattapan, Boston
• Cause of death: Single gunshot wound
• Investigation: Active homicide case
• Arrests: None announced

Victim Identified by Family

The victim was later identified by family members as Yoseliani “Liani” Marte, an 18-year-old described by loved ones as kind, caring, and full of promise.

Her mother, Elenie Ocasio, has publicly appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Family members also launched a GoFundMe campaign, stating they believe Marte’s death resulted from domestic violence.

The fundraiser says:

“Domestic violence has taken a beautiful young life far too soon.”

Police have not publicly confirmed a motive, and investigators have not announced whether a current or former partner has been identified as a suspect.

Property Owned by Pressley’s Husband

City property records show the house is owned by Conan Harris, the husband of Rep. Ayanna Pressley.

The couple does not live at the Mattapan address. The residence is a rental property that has also been listed for sale.

Following news of the shooting, Pressley’s office issued a brief statement expressing sympathy for the victim’s family.

“The Congresswoman extends her deepest condolences to the impacted family.”

Officials have not indicated that the property’s ownership has any connection to the homicide beyond where the victim was found.

Investigation Continues

Neighbors described the area as a generally quiet residential street and expressed shock over the heavy police presence.

Boston homicide detectives continue to examine forensic evidence, review witness statements, and determine who was responsible for Marte’s death.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen suspicious activity near Malta Street or has information about the shooting to contact investigators or Boston CrimeStoppers.

For now, the focus remains on finding answers for an 18-year-old whose life ended far too soon while her family waits for justice.

Photo by AJ Colores on Unsplash