Police asking for witnesses in Lynn shooting case

LYNN – Lynn police say several people likely witnessed a 19-year-old man get shot several times in broad daylight one week ago today on Essex Street, but no one has come forward to identify the shooter.Wendell Morris, of Lynn, remains in critical but stable condition at a Boston hospital where he is undergoing treatment for several gunshot wounds to his back, Lynn police spokesman Lt. Ted Blake said Tuesday.Now, police are asking for the public’s help.The lieutenant says the Lynn police department is willing to offer an eyewitness with credible information a spot in the state’s Witness Protection Program.”There were several people in the area at the time of the shooting and the Lynn police need their cooperation in pursuing this incident,” Blake said.Morris was brazenly shot on a sidewalk near the corner of Brownville Avenue at close range shortly after 6:30 p.m. on April 23.Five minutes after he was struck, hundreds of people watched as paramedics treated Morris. It was the first day to reach over 80 degrees this year.Blake says the shooting was not gang related. Investigators have an idea of what happened, but are hoping an eyewitness’ tip will enable them to arrest the shooter, he said.”This is something where people who aren’t involved? saw something. They’re scared,” Blake said.When eyewitnesses don’t come forward it slows down the investigation, he said.”It delays them for a significant amount of time or it stops them dead in their tracks,” Blake said.Anyone with information is asked to call Lynn Police at 781-595-2000.