Authorities say the victim was shot inside Moonfish Restaurant shortly before midnight Friday.
WEST DENNIS, Mass. — A man is in custody after a deadly shooting inside Moonfish Restaurant late Friday night, where authorities said a customer was killed shortly before midnight on Main Street.
The Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office confirmed the fatal shooting at the West Dennis restaurant and said the suspect is expected to be arraigned Monday in Orleans District Court. The victim’s name and the suspect’s name had not been made public by Sunday.
The shooting brought Dennis police, state police detectives and crime scene technicians to the restaurant overnight. Investigators examined the building and the area around it as officers kept a large scene in place. Officials have not said how many shots were fired, whether a weapon was recovered or what may have happened before the shooting.
Moonfish Restaurant is located at 369 Main St., along Route 28, a well-traveled road through West Dennis. The late-night violence came as Cape Cod moved into its busy summer season, when restaurants and nearby roads draw more visitors. Owner Velma Mitchell said the shooting left the business shaken. “Someone came in and killed somebody,” Mitchell said.
Local reports said the suspect turned himself in at Barnstable Police Headquarters after the shooting. Authorities said the case is being investigated by Dennis police and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office. No charges had been publicly detailed before the expected court appearance.
The court hearing Monday is expected to provide the first formal account of the case. Prosecutors may identify the suspect, name the victim and describe the evidence police say connects the suspect to the shooting. Officials have said only that a male suspect is in custody and that the investigation is ongoing.
Outside the restaurant, police activity marked a sharp break from the normal rhythm of the Main Street business district. The scene remained a focus for investigators as community members waited for basic answers about the victim, the suspect and what led to the killing.
As of Sunday, June 14, no further public details had been released. The suspect’s arraignment is scheduled for Monday in Orleans District Court.
Author note: Last updated Sunday, June 14, 2026.