LYNN — Six suspects have been charged with murder in connection to the drive-by shooting on Essex Street that left two dead and five injured last September, according to a statement released by Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker.
On Sept. 2, 2023 at approximately 2:20 a.m., Abraham Diaz, 25, of Lynn, and Jandriel Heredia, 21, of Revere, were fatally shot at a gathering at 189 Essex St.
Lynn residents Darwin Batista, 20; Yefferson Vallecillo Cambar, 22; Carlos Ramirez Corniel, 16; Leonardo Espinoza, 15; and Abel Severino Reyes, 21, and Peabody resident Justin Alba, 25, were each charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection to the shooting, according to the statement.
Alba, Batista, Vallecillo Cambar, and Severino Reyes have also each been charged with one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
The suspects’ arraignment dates have not yet been determined.
In addition to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, the investigation was conducted the Lynn Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and Detective Unit for Essex County, and Homeland Security Investigations, according to the statement.
“These indictments are a result of their tremendous work in following through on their commitment to the Lynn community, and I would also like to thank prosecutors Jessica Strasnick, Marina Moriarty, and Caitlin Shugrue for their excellent work thus far on this case,” Tucker said.
Mayor Jared Nicholson said he appreciates the law-enforcement agencies’ “tireless efforts” that led to these charges.
“The double homicide that occurred last year was incredibly tragic,” Nicholson said. “While nothing will replace the loss of Abraham Diaz and Jandriel Heredia, or change how many lives were forever impacted by such heinous acts of violence, these charges are a meaningful step for the families as well as our entire community, which continues to deserve and demand peace.”
Chief of Police Chris Reddy said that the Police Department remains committed to working for justice on behalf of the shooting’s victims and their families.
“In the hours following this attack, we pledged to pursue and bring to justice those who committed these horrific crimes,” Reddy said. “I want to express my gratitude for the dedicated and determined efforts by members of the Lynn Police, the Massachusetts State Police, the Office of District Attorney Paul Tucker, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that resulted in the arrests of these individuals.”
“When gun violence threatens our communities and our neighborhoods, we will continue to work together to protect the families and individuals we serve in Essex County, and to bring to justice those that commit any and all violent crimes,” Tucker said.
