On the late evening of Friday, August 14, 2009, Luis Diaz, 43, of Dorchester, and 36-year-old Nettie Becht of New Bedford were shot outside Becht’s apartment in the Westlawn Housing Complex on Smith Street. Neighbors first thought the gunfire was firecrackers before discovering the two victims; both were taken to St. Luke’s Hospital and later pronounced dead.

Police arrested 60-year-old Elvin Valentin of New Bedford and charged him with two counts of murder. Investigators say the killings appeared to stem from a love triangle: Valentin and Becht had an earlier romantic relationship, and prosecutors contend Valentin became enraged when he saw Becht return with another man later identified as Diaz, then shot both victims as they were entering her home. Eyewitnesses at the scene reportedly identified Valentin as the shooter, and he was held without bail after his arrest.

Memorials with candles were set up outside Becht’s apartment; she was a mother to three young sons. Does anyone have information about Diaz, his connections in the area, or witnessed the events that night?