Elderly Christmas Carolers Assaulted By Teens In Boston
In a shocking act of wanton violence, two teenage boys in Massachusetts are facing charges for an unprovoked attack last Sunday on a group of elderly Christmas carolers. The assault, which took place in Boston’s Dorchester area, has outraged the community.
The attack occurred as the carolers affiliated with the Church of the Holy Spirit in Mattapan gathered outside a home on Johnston Road. They had gathered there to bring holiday cheer to an 88-year-old stroke victim and the mother of parishioner Veronica Trotman. The carolers were suddenly assaulted in what should have been a moment of joy and celebration.
Trotman recounted the shock, saying, “I brought my mom to the window so she could hear it. I saw the two guys come across the street, but I didn’t know what they were going to do.”
Police reports indicate that the attack abruptly ended the caroling as the juveniles punched two of the carolers multiple times in the back of the head. The primary victims were two women in their late 70s. One of the victims sustained a concussion, while the other refused medical treatment at the scene.
Boston police officers took descriptions of the assailants from witnesses, and their subsequent investigation led to the arrest of the teenagers on Thursday. Security footage obtained by officers revealed a chilling scene, as the youths silently approached the carolers from behind while they sang “Silent Night.” They then counted to three before striking the elderly women.
Jalen Applewhite lives in the neighborhood where the attack took place. He told reporters, “Kids nowadays be going crazy. I understand what it’s like to be out having fun, but you can’t be hitting old ladies.”
Boston police have said their investigation shows the attack is likely related to the “knockout game,” a dangerous and cowardly trend where teenagers attempt to knock out unsuspecting victims with a single punch.
The Christmastime surprise attack raises significant questions about societal values and the influence of harmful trends spread across social media. It is a sad reminder that ordinary law-abiding citizens must maintain strong community ties and vigilance in protecting the most vulnerable among us.
Police are expected to file criminal complaints against the two juveniles, charging them with assault and battery on a person 60 or older. Under Massachusetts law, such an attack on an elderly victim is treated as a more serious class of criminal assault.
