Police ID North End murder victim

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Springfield Police have released the identity of the man shot dead in the North End of Springfield, in what police are calling a drug-related shooting.

Sgt. John Delaney told 22News the murder victim is 23-year old Omar Gallego of 20 Montmorenci Street in Springfield.

Gallego was shot once in the chest while he was standing outside Christopher's Package Store on the corner of Main and East Hooker streets around 6:30p.m.

Police got a call for someone lying on the ground and realized the victim had a gunshot wound when they arrived. Detectives canvassing the area after the shooting found drugs.

Gallego's family is mourning.

"Its so hard its so hard, I wouldn't wish this upon my worst enemy," said Norma Rivera, his grandmother.

Gallego was a father of one, his wife pregnant with another child, due in a few weeks.

"I'm very sad with what happened to my grandson, he was very good to me, and never deserved this," said grandfather Gregrio Pacheco.

Now they're looking from action from the city. Gallego is the 15th murder of the year.

Springfield Mayoral Candidate Bud Williams says the city is on its way to break the record of 19 murders in a year.

He says he wants to reorganize the police department.

"That's where we start, zero tolerance, a little tougher, more barriers, more consistent show of force," said Williams.

Mayor Dominic Sarno was unavailable for an interview on Friday.

For now, Gallego's family is just looking for some peace.

"I want Justice please, because the pain that stays behind, I can't take it, I can't take it," said Gallego's grandmother.

Sgt. Delaney says witnesses have come forward and are cooperating.