Death of woman, 18, found dead in Mattapan home owned by Pressley’s husband ruled a homicide

The death of an 18-year-old woman whose body was found in a Mattapan rental property owned by the husband of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley was ruled a homicide Thursday, authorities said.

Yoseliani Ann Marte Ocasio, of Boston, was shot inside 25 Malta St. shortly before 2 p.m. on July 18. Suffering Ocasio was pronounced dead at the scene, the Boston Police Department said. 

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined Ocasio’s death to be a single gunshot wound to the head, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, which oversees the medical examiner’s office, said in a statement to Boston.com.

No arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed as of Thursday afternoon, police said. 

Marte’s mother, Elenie Ocasio, wrote in a GoFundMe campaign that her daughter was killed as a “result of domestic violence.” Elenie Ocasio also told Boston 25 News she knows who may be responsible.

“No words can truly express the pain of losing someone so young, with so many dreams, hopes, and milestones still ahead of her,” Elenie Ocasio said. “Her kindness, beautiful spirit, and bright future will never be forgotten.”

City records show Conan Harris, Pressley’s husband, owns the seven-bedroom house as a rental property. Harris and Pressley are not connected to the incident or its investigation, a spokesperson for Pressley’s office and police confirmed in a statement to Boston.com.

Pressley said she is “devastated” by the incident, adding that Marte Ocasio’s life was “cut short by domestic violence.”

“As the parent of a teenager, the thought of a young person violently losing their life in this way is beyond crushing,” Pressley said. “I stand with our community and everyone who loved Yoseliani as we grieve this deep loss. May we all honor her life and humanity and extend compassion to her loved ones as they navigate this heartbreaking tragedy.”

The BPD Homicide Unit is continuing to investigate the incident, police said. Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at 617-343-4470.