Helen Schaller, 58, identified as victim of fatal shooting in Cambridge

Police are investigating after 58-year-old Helen Schallerwas shot to death in the Preston area ofCambridge on Wednesday.

Officers were called to the area of King Street E., near Church Street and Westminster Drive in Preston around 5:30 p.m.

They found Schaller with serious injuries, and she was taken to hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Officers with the major crime unit and forensics remained at the scene Wednesday evening, and police warned of an increased police presence in the area.

Officers canvassed the area Thursday afternoon, and police said acommand post would be set up near Westminster Drive between Duke Street and King Street E. for people who want to speak to an officer.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

This is the region's second homicide this year. Police continue to investigate after56-year-old Kurt McKechniewas shot and killed in Cambridge on Jan. 31.

'Stunned and saddened'

Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry and area Coun. Mike Mann issued a joint statement on the fatal shooting, saying like many, theywere "horrified" by the news.

"We are stunned and saddened to think that this could happen in our city, and our thoughts and prayers are with
the victim's family," the statement said.

"This violent incident is not reflective of our beautiful and vibrant city and the people who live here."

In an interview, McGarry said she hasheard concerns from residents about crime in the city.

"We've been hearing for a while around some of the hotspots where people are using drugs, and there's a higher volume of overdose calls that they've been concerned about increasing crime in the area. These are usually break-ins and thefts, breaking into cars, those kinds of things," she said.

She says she, councillors and city staff plan tomeet with police Chief Bryan Larkin and South Division Supt. Mike Haffner.

"We'll sit down with them and go over the community policing plan and to look at any other ways that those of us in the community, and those that live and work and have businesses in the Preston community, as well as all of Cambridge, are doing everything that we can to identify and prevent crime to begin with," she said.