Police arrested a Springfield man who checked himself into Baystate Medical Center with gunshot wounds earlier in the day on Thursday.
After an investigation by the Springfield Police Department’s Homicide Unit, the patient, 37-year-old Thomas Whitlock, was charged with murder in connection with a shooting on Leland Drive at about 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31.
The other gunshot victim died at Baystate shortly after the shooting, according to police spokesperson Ryan Walsh. Authorities have not identified the dead victim.
- Read more: Girlfriend of Springfield murder-suicide shooter arraigned on 8 charges of improper gun storage
Investigators exam a possible crime scene on Leland Dr. in Springfield. (Don Treeger / The Republican) 8/31/2023
“The suspect and the deceased were well known to each other and are alleged to have shot one another,” Walsh stated.
Police arrested Whitlock around 12:15 p.m. while at Baystate. His arraignment is expected at a later date, Walsh stated.
- Read more: Springfield man, caught up in alleged catalytic converter theft ring, indicted for 2022 murder
Along with murder, Whitlock has been charged with carrying a firearm without a license; carrying a loaded firearm without a license; and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building.
Walsh said the department’s homicide unit and the Hampden District Attorney’s office will continue to investigate the incident.
