Man charged with murder for killing friend during gunfight

A man faces a murder charge after he shot and killed his friend during a gun battle in Dorchester in May, prosecutors said.

Justin Ferrer, 23, of Dorchester, pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail during his arraignment in the Dorchester Division of Boston Municipal Court on Thursday, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office said in a news release.

Prosecutors allege Ferrer fatally shot Giovanni Balla, 22, of Dorchester, during a gun battle on May 22 in a parking lot near 260 Bowdoin Street.

Ferrer, armed with a handgun, entered the parking lot shortly after midnight, Assistant Prosecutor Kaylin Campbell said.

The gunfight broke out around 1:05 a.m. between Ferrer, his friends and another group. The prosecutor’s office said Ferrer shot his friend, Bala, “in the midst of an exchange of gunfire.”

Bala was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, prosecutors said.

Ferrer was arrested Wednesday on a warrant issued by Dorchester District Court. Boston police said.

The prosecution did not specify the relationship between the groups involved in the fighting.

Ferrer will return to court on Aug. 19 for a probable cause hearing, according to court records.

“When illegal weapons are in the hands of people who are very willing to use them — especially in a situation like this, where multiple people are shooting at each other — terrible and tragic outcomes become inevitable,” Hayden said. “Here is the result: an accused accused of killing his friend.”

Ferrer’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday afternoon.