Shortly after midnight on August 3, 2025, a gunshot on Mechanic Street in Fitchburg ended the life of 63-year-old Luis Mejia, a Hispanic man. Officers found Mejia in the driveway of a multi-family home about 12:15 a.m.; he was taken to a local hospital and later died of a gunshot wound to the left rib area. Neighbors reported hearing a car speed away and initially thought the sound was a backfire.

Investigators focused on a family gathering in the driveway. Court documents identify 42-year-old Jonathan A. Reyes-Contreras of New Jersey as the person who allegedly took a handgun from a Honda Ridgeline’s center console while sitting in the front passenger seat; the weapon discharged, striking Mejia. Reyes-Contreras was arrested the same day and arraigned on charges that include assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling. He pleaded not guilty and told police the shooting was an accident, saying he had grabbed the gun when it went off. He was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing, and authorities said those involved knew each other and there was no wider threat to the public.

Did anyone at the gathering or nearby hear or see more about what led up to the shot?