Federal and Springfield police arrested Alex Alejandro Friday in connection with two recent shootings in Springfield, authorities said, including a drive-by that killed a 19-year-old woman.
Arrest follows two violent incidents in mid-August
The U.S. Marshals Service said Alejandro was taken into custody on charges that include murder and attempted murder. He had been wanted by Springfield police in the deadly Aug. 16 shooting that left 19-year-old Reinalyz Caraballo dead after a drive-by shooting on Main Street near Noble Street.
A week earlier, authorities allege Alejandro shot another person in the head on Carew Street. The Marshals indicated that person remained hospitalized as of Friday.
How the arrest unfolded
Springfield police, with assistance from state and federal partners, located Alejandro and took him into custody on Salem Street at about 11:15 a.m. He was to be arraigned in Springfield District Court. It was not immediately clear whether he had retained counsel who could speak on his behalf.
- Victim (dead): Reinalyz Caraballo, 19
- Alleged incidents: Aug. 16 drive-by on Main Street; earlier Carew Street shooting causing severe head wounds
- Arrest: Salem Street, approximately 11:15 a.m., Friday
Local and regional stakes
The arrests come after a string of violent incidents that have drawn intense local attention. Springfield residents and officials have raised concerns this year about public safety in neighborhoods affected by gun violence. The involvement of the U.S. Marshals and state police underscores the case's seriousness and the multi-agency effort required to bring a suspect into custody.
With an alleged homicide and a separate shooting leaving a person critically injured, prosecutors may pursue significant criminal charges. The outcome of arraignment and any subsequent bail determinations will shape whether Alejandro remains in custody as investigators and prosecutors build their cases.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fatal shooting | Main Street near Noble Street — Aug. 16 — Victim: Reinalyz Caraballo, 19 |
| Earlier shooting | Carew Street — alleged gunshot to the head — victim hospitalized |
| Arrest | Salem Street — ~11:15 a.m. Friday — U.S. Marshals, Springfield police, state police |
Springfield police and federal partners did not immediately release additional details on the motive or any potential charges beyond those announced by the Marshals. Court proceedings in Springfield District Court are expected to clarify the scope of the charges and the next steps in the prosecution.
Residents with information about either shooting were urged previously to contact Springfield police; arrests in high-profile cases often depend on community leads and interagency coordination that can provide evidence for prosecution.
