Prosecutors say surveillance video and cellphone data helped connect an SUV and its occupants to the deadly house-party shooting.
TAUNTON, Mass. — Prosecutors are outlining the evidence they say links a New Bedford woman to a deadly Taunton house-party shooting, as a second woman faces the same murder and armed-assault charges and investigators search for another suspect.
The investigation has increasingly focused on an SUV that authorities say traveled from New Bedford to the area of a crowded Weir Street gathering shortly before gunfire killed Zirovick Depina, 22, of Brockton, and wounded seven other people early Sunday. Sienna Barboza, 25, was arrested Wednesday, and Malkiah Cunningham, 25, was arrested Thursday. Both are from New Bedford.
During Barboza’s arraignment Thursday, prosecutors alleged that surveillance footage showed her vehicle traveling near the house and stopping close to railroad tracks behind the property. They said two other people got out, went toward the area from which investigators believe the shots were fired and then returned to the SUV. Barboza allegedly drove back to New Bedford afterward.
Prosecutors also cited evidence from Barboza’s cellphone. They alleged that investigators found a search for directions to the Weir Street address and location information placing the phone in the Taunton area when the shooting occurred. Authorities said surveillance footage later showed three people entering Barboza’s New Bedford apartment after the SUV returned there.
Investigators recovered 14 spent 9 mm shell casings from railroad tracks bordering the property, according to prosecutors. The backyard was separated from the tracks by fencing, a privacy screen and vegetation. A prosecutor said in court that the gunfire came from a position where the shooter could not see clearly into the yard and described the shots as being fired “indiscriminately into the crowd of people.”
Police were called to the home shortly after 12:30 a.m. Sept. 6 after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire. Authorities said a large gathering was underway, with reports indicating dozens of people may have been present. Eight people in their 20s were identified as gunshot victims. Some were taken from the scene by ambulance, while others sought medical care on their own.
Depina was taken to a hospital and later died. Prosecutors said a 23-year-old man who was shot in the abdomen was left paralyzed from the waist down. The remaining surviving victims were reported to have injuries that were not life-threatening. Authorities have not publicly announced a motive for the shooting.
Barboza pleaded not guilty to the charges against her and was ordered held without bail. Her attorney challenged the prosecution’s account, arguing that evidence placing her in the vehicle did not establish that she knew the other occupants planned a shooting. Prosecutors have not alleged publicly that Barboza personally fired a weapon.
The case broadened Thursday when Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced Cunningham’s arrest on one count of murder and seven counts of armed assault with intent to murder. Prosecutors have alleged that Cunningham was one of the people who left Barboza’s SUV near the shooting scene. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Cunningham was scheduled for arraignment Friday in Taunton District Court, while Barboza is due back in court Oct. 7 for a probable cause hearing. Police and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the district attorney’s office continue working to identify and locate another person they believe was involved.
Author note: Last updated September 11, 2026.