In the early hours of October 12, 2022, 32-year-old Andre Yarns Jr. was fatally shot on Main Street in the Indian Orchard neighborhood of Springfield, Massachusetts. The shooting occurred shortly after 4 a.m. and was part of a double homicide that also claimed 32-year-old Justice Kirkland; one victim was pronounced dead at the scene and the other died after being taken to Baystate Medical Center. Authorities described the assault as a targeted shooting and said they did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the public.

Yarns, a Central High School and Holyoke Community College graduate, was reportedly linked by investigators to a 9mm pistol purchased in Vermont in August 2022. Federal prosecutors say Burlington resident Chongtoua Yee bought the gun as a straw purchase and that text messages indicate Yarns provided the money and took possession of the firearm soon after. That same weapon was later tied to the October shootings. The individuals who carried out the killings remain at large and the Hampden District Attorney’s Office and Springfield Police Homicide Unit continue to investigate.

If anyone knew Andre Yarns Jr., Justice Kirkland, or has information about the shooting or the firearm’s chain of custody, please come forward with tips.