Dorchester teen charged in Mother’s Day double shooting

BOSTON, May 14, 2026 – A Dorchester teen was ordered held without bail today in Dorchester BMC after being charged with a double non-fatal shooting on Kingsdale Street on Mother’s Day, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.
JAYNELL SUMLER, 18, was charged with two counts of assault to murder and one count of possession of a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without an FID card, and discharge of a firearm striking a building. Judge Nicholas Brandt ordered Sumler held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing May 21.
At around 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, while inside 69 Kingsdale Street, Sumler shot the first victim, a 42-year-old female, in the head and then shot a second victim, a 42-year-old male, in the arm and leg. Witnesses identified Sumler as the shooter and the boyfriend of the female victim’s daughter.
A warrant issued for Sumler the following day. Police arrested Sumler on Wednesday. Both victims were transported to local hospitals with the female victim suffering life-threatening injuries.
“As if this set of facts isn’t tragic enough, the reality of these victims being shot on Mother’s Day adds another level of shock and sadness. I pray for the recovery of both victims and I believe a dangerousness hearing is perfectly appropriate in this act of terrible violence,” Hayden said.
All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.

