Three people have been charged with attempted murder after a targeted shooting in Braintree town centre left two teenagers with serious injuries and a third person hurt.
Essex Police said officers were called to Market Place at about 10.10pm on Monday, August 31, following reports that a firearm had been discharged.
Destiny Ema, 23, of Meadgate Avenue, Chelmsford, Kayden Brown, 18, of Noaks Avenue, Chelmsford, and a 17-year-old boy from Braintree are due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 7.
The two teenage victims suffered serious injuries to their faces and upper bodies. A third man was also injured, although police said they did not believe his injuries were serious.
Detectives said their working theory was that the incident was linked to a dispute connected to criminal drug activity. They added that none of those injured was believed to have been involved in that offending.
Essex Police have said the shooting was directed at one group by another and was not a random attack. Officers do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the wider public.
Police said a shotgun and ammunition had been recovered during the investigation and that they were not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.
Ema is also facing separate charges, including attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possessing a firearm while committing an indictable offence, harassment and malicious communications.
A 16-year-old boy who was previously arrested in connection with the shooting has been released on police bail. Detectives continue to appeal for witnesses, CCTV, dashcam footage or other recordings from the area.
