Springfield Residents In Shock After Popular MA Community Organizer Found Shot Dead

Jafet Robles has been named as the Springfield man found shot to death in Szot Park early Monday morning. The well-known community organizer and father of four was 33.

The Hampden District Attorney said Robles was located deceased at about 7:20 a.m. in a grassy area between Abbey Memorial Drive and Bemis Avenue in Springfield, MA. The death is being investigated as a homicide.

Robles’ body was found by Parks and Recreation employees said the Chicopee Police, who are working with Massachusetts State Police to investigating the murder.

Robles worked for Neighbor to Neighbor, a community organizing group in Western Massachusetts that helps working families. He focused on economic justice and improving the lives of children, and he was a mainstay at voter registration drives. source

One of his passions was finding ways to keep kids off the street, active and successful in school, involved in positive activities after school and focused on heading to college or preparing for a career after high school.

Investigators are asking for anyone who may have information regarding this investigation to anonymously use Text-A-Tip, text the word CRIMES (2-7-4-6-3-7) and type the word SOLVE into the body of the message followed by your tip. The public can also contact the Chicopee Police Department at 413-594-1730 or the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit at 413-505-5993 to pass along information as well.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends at this difficult time.