Local News
Yoseliani Marte was shot and killed in an act of domestic violence, her family said.
Yoseliani Marte, 18, was found shot Saturday inside a rental home owned by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s husband. GoFundMe
July 21, 2026 | 2:00 PM
2 minutes to read
Family members have identified the young woman found dead Saturday inside a Mattapan rental home owned by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s husband, describing the teenager as a “beautiful spirit” who died as the result of domestic violence.
Yoseliani Marte, 18, was “deeply loved by her family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched,” her mother wrote in a GoFundMe to help cover the cost of her burial.
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Police investigating after dead body found near home owned by Pressley’s husband
Authorities have not publicly identified the person found shot inside 25 Malta St. shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday, nor have they announced any related arrests. In fact, the Boston Police Department has said little about the circumstances of Marte’s death, though an incident report notes that she died of a single gunshot wound.
Marte’s mother, Elenie Ocasio, says her daughter was killed in an act of domestic violence that “has taken a beautiful young life far too soon,” according to the GoFundMe. She also told Boston 25 News she knows who may be responsible.
“This coward killed my baby. He put a gun to her head, took my baby in that house, and left her to die,” she told the news outlet.
It was not immediately clear whether Marte lived at the Malta Street home. While Pressley’s husband, Conan Harris, is the property’s listed owner, the couple does not live there. Pressley’s office told The Boston Globe Saturday she “extends her deepest condolences to the impacted family.”
Writing on the GoFundMe page, Ocasio described her daughter’s death as an “unimaginable loss.”
“No words can truly express the pain of losing someone so young, with so many dreams, hopes, and milestones still ahead of her,” she said. “Her kindness, beautiful spirit, and bright future will never be forgotten.”
Shea Butter Smoothies in Dorchester identified Marte as one of its employees and praised her as a “brilliant and motivated young lady” who “brought joy and positivity to our workplace.”
“Her infectious laughter, kindness, and willingness to help others made her not just a colleague, but a cherished friend to many,” the shop wrote on Facebook. “She will be missed immensely, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.”
For now, Ocasio told Boston 25 she’s focused on getting justice for Marte.
“My daughter didn’t deserve this,” she said. “My daughter did not deserve this, and it’s all going to come out to light. Everything’s gonna come out.”
Abby Patkin is a general assignment news reporter whose work touches on public transit, crime, health, and everything in between.
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