Dorchester teen charged in Mother’s Day double shooting

BOSTON, May 14, 2026 – A Dorchester teen was ordered held without bail today in Dorchester BMC after being charged with a double non-fatal shooting on Kingsdale Street on Mother’s Day, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.

JAYNELL SUMLER, 18, was charged with two counts of assault to murder and one count of possession of a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without an FID card, and discharge of a firearm striking a building. Judge Nicholas Brandt ordered Sumler held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing May 21. 

At around 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, while inside 69 Kingsdale Street, Sumler shot the first victim, a 42-year-old female, in the head and then shot a second victim, a 42-year-old male, in the arm and leg. Witnesses identified Sumler as the shooter and the boyfriend of the female victim’s daughter.  

A warrant issued for Sumler the following day. Police arrested Sumler on Wednesday. Both victims were transported to local hospitals with the female victim suffering life-threatening injuries. 

“As if this set of facts isn’t tragic enough, the reality of these victims being shot on Mother’s Day adds another level of shock and sadness.  I pray for the recovery of both victims and I believe a dangerousness hearing is perfectly appropriate in this act of terrible violence,” Hayden said.

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. Our office handles more than 20,000 cases a year. Nearly 160 assistant district attorneys practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Boston and Chelsea Juvenile Courts and the Supreme Judicial Court. Our office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs for anyone encountering the criminal justice system. We are committed to educating the public about our mission and services while focusing on crime prevention to keep the residents, workers and visitors of Suffolk County safe.

James Borghesani, Chief of Communications