Mother and Son Fatally Shot in Fall River Shooting

UPDATE (2/1/2026): Arlington Cole has now also been charged with two counts of murder and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. He is expected to be arraigned Monday, February 2 in Fall River District Court.

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — Authorities are investigating after a mother and her son were shot and killed in Fall River last night, allegedly by the mother’s boyfriend.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced that Fall River Police responded to a 911 call at about 8:05 p.m. on January 30 reporting a double shooting at 431 Barnes Street.

Suspects Identified in Fall River Double Shooting

Police arrived to find Nicholas Almeida, 25, and his mother Elizabeth Almeida, 54, both suffering from gunshot wounds. They were taken to a local hospital, where they were pronounced deceased.

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Suspect Is the Mother's Boyfriend

Quinn said the suspect, identified as Arlington Cole, 54, was found at the scene along with a firearm. He said Cole had been in a “dating relationship” with Elizabeth Almeida.

Cole is charged at this time with two counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury.

Fall River Double Fatal Shooting Remains Under Investigation

The investigation remains ongoing by Fall River Police and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the D.A.’s Office.

States Ranked by Gun Death Rates

Gun death rates per 100,000 are high in the U.S., and getting higher. Here's a list of states ranked by firearm safety, from lowest death rates to highest. Data for 2021 is from the CDC via Violence Policy Center.

Gallery Credit: Kate Robinson