FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SALEM, Mass. – November 12, 2026 – In Salem Juvenile Court on Tuesday, a youthful offender pled guilty and was sentenced in relation to a shooting that occurred in the area of Simon Street in Beverly on October 11, 2025, the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker confirms. The incident was investigated by the Beverly Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to Tucker’s office.
Alexander Muzarol, 15, of Salem, was indicted as a youthful offender on December 18, 2025. Muzarol, who was 14 at the time of the shooting, was charged with armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, and carrying a firearm without a license. The victim, who was 15 at the time, allocuted to the court that she has suffered severe permanent injuries after being shot in the head by Muzarol, her boyfriend at the time.
“The crime did not just affect me on the day I was shot; it affects me every single day,” the victim told the court. “I lost my health, my sense of safety, and the life I was supposed to have. My family has suffered too, watching me fight for my life and helping me through every step of my recovery. Every day is a reminder of how this crime changed my life forever.”
“Given the seriousness of this offense and the devastating lifelong injuries suffered by the victim, we sought a substantial state prison sentence,” Tucker said.
The Commonwealth, represented by Chief Family Crimes Prosecutor Kate MacDougall, recommended a sentence of 8-10 years in state prison on the armed assault with intent to murder charge, five years of probation on the assault with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury charge to be served following the prison term, along with a Department of Youth Services commitment until age 18.
The sentence imposed by the judge was three years and one month to three years, one month, and one day in state prison, along with a Department of Youth Services (DYS) commitment until age 21. Given the DYS commitment, Muzarol is not expected to serve any time in state prison.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, Massachusetts has many resources available to help you. See EssexCountyDA.com/reporting-abuse for more.
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