PEABODY — A homicide investigation is underway after a 25-year-old man was shot to death on Wallis Street Sunday night, according to Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett and Peabody Police Chief Tom Griffin.
Peabody Police responded to a shooting at 78 Wallis St. at 9:41 p.m. and found Prince Thompson suffering from a gunshot wound. Police and paramedics administered emergency first aid to the victim at the scene; Thompson was taken by ambulance to Salem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Essex County District Attorney’s office.
A suspect in the shooting, Charles Burgess, 26, of Peabody, has been arrested and charged with murder. He pleaded not guilty and was held without bail Monday during an arraignment in Peabody District Court.
Prior to the arrest, police had been looking for a black 2006 Ford Fusion that may have been driven by the suspect, who was described as a white man, approximately 5 feet, 8 inches in height with a medium build, green or blue eyes, and who was seen wearing a ski mask and black clothing at the time of the incident, Peabody Police said.
A tip came in for a black Ford Fusion at the Northgate Shopping Center in Revere on Sunday night, according to Assistant District Attorney Heidi Sylvanowicz.
An arrest warrant was issued on Monday for Burgess, who had gone into hiding, Sylvanowicz said. Later that day, police received a tip for the suspect’s whereabouts and arrived at 1875 Dorchester St. in Boston, which is where Burgess’ grandmother resides, Sylvanowicz said.
Sylvanowicz said law enforcement went to the Boston residence, knocked on the door and asked the respondent if Burgess was in the building. The person responded affirmatively, saying that Burgess was in the bathroom. From there, police knocked on the bathroom door and told the suspect to come out immediately. When Burgess opened the door, he was taken into custody and was found to be in possession of a loaded gun magazine, Sylvanowicz said.
Police also found cocaine at the scene of the crime. Burgess was said to have been selling marijuana, but he claimed he was unaware that he was selling cocaine, Sylvanowicz said.
The homicide is under investigation by the Essex District Attorney’s office, Peabody Police Department and State Police detectives assigned to the DA’s office. People with information regarding the shooting are urged to contact the Peabody Police Department at 978-531-1212 or 978-538-6364.
Burgess will return to court on Feb. 15 for a probable cause hearing.
