Sturbridge, Massachusetts — Authorities are investigating a dramatic overnight shooting at a hotel in central Massachusetts that left one guest critically injured and a pregnant suspect dead after what officials described as a fast-moving and highly complicated incident.
The shooting unfolded shortly before 1 a.m. at the Sturbridge Plaza Hotel, where investigators say a woman drove her vehicle into the building before firing multiple shots while attempting to locate two individuals she knew.
Officials said the people she was allegedly seeking were not harmed, but an innocent hotel guest was caught in the violence.
Suspect Allegedly Drove Into Hotel Before Opening Fire
According to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr., emergency responders were dispatched to the hotel around 12:55 a.m. after receiving reports of a vehicle crashing into the building and shots being fired.
Preliminary findings indicate the 28-year-old woman arrived at the hotel intending to find two people known to her.
Authorities said she drove into a room at the property, although investigators later determined no one was inside that room at the time of the crash.
The situation escalated rapidly as gunfire erupted outside the hotel.
“Preliminary information in this case indicates that the suspect drove to the hotel in an attempt to find two people that they knew,” Early said during a news conference.
Innocent Hotel Guest Critically Injured
Investigators said a male hotel guest who had no connection to the dispute was struck by gunfire in the hotel lobby.
Officials confirmed that the victim was not one of the individuals the suspect was allegedly trying to locate.
The man suffered a gunshot wound to the torso and was transported to a hospital. Authorities said he remains in critical but stable condition.
As investigators continue examining the incident, officials have not released further details regarding the victim’s identity.
Police Say Suspect Shot Herself
Law enforcement officers arrived at the scene within minutes and attempted to de-escalate the situation.
According to prosecutors, officers repeatedly ordered the suspect to put down her weapon.
“A couple of commands were given by police that were very, very fast, ‘put down the gun, put down the gun,’” Early said.
Officials emphasized that police officers did not fire any shots during the encounter. Authorities say the woman instead suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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First responders immediately began life-saving efforts, but she later died from her injuries.
Investigators said they did not initially know she was pregnant and only learned that information approximately 20 to 30 minutes later while providing medical care.
Because the case involves domestic violence-related circumstances, authorities have not publicly identified the suspect.
Witnesses Describe Chaotic Scene
Several hotel guests witnessed portions of the incident unfold.
One witness, Sara Gonyou, told reporters she briefly interacted with the woman before the shooting and observed her appearing distressed.
Another hotel guest, Stuart Mackelvie, who had recently arrived from Scotland, said he was awakened by a car alarm before hearing gunfire outside.
“I heard gunshots and then I looked out the window again and a lady had driven her SUV into the side of the hotel,” Mackelvie said.
He described hearing additional noises and immediately calling emergency services.
“It was terrifying. I thought I could kind of tell it was targeted. It wasn’t like a random shooter wandering around the hotel.”
Police later went door-to-door throughout the hotel, checking on guests and collecting witness statements.
Investigation Continues
District Attorney Early described the case as “very complicated” and indicated investigators are still working to piece together exactly what occurred before and during the shooting.
Authorities continue reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the suspect’s connection to the individuals she was reportedly attempting to locate.
As the investigation moves forward, officials are seeking to better understand the circumstances that led to the tragic chain of events that unfolded inside and outside the hotel.
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