Stepfather Identified in Fatal Fitchburg Shooting

Jonathan Reyes-Contreras, 42, of New Jersey, has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of his stepfather, Luis Mejia, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The incident occurred around 12:15 a.m. on Mechanic Street, where police found Mejia outside a vehicle with a gunshot wound; he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Reyes-Contreras told investigators the shooting was accidental, claiming the firearm discharged while he retrieved it from the car's center console. He faces charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling. Authorities believe there is no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation is ongoing, with Reyes-Contreras scheduled for arraignment in Fitchburg District Court.