The hunt is on for Franklin M. Laras, a 27-year-old man newly added by the Massachusetts State Police to their roster of most wanted fugitives. Laras is the primary suspect in the Christmas Eve murder of Edward Javier-Perez at the Lawrence nightclub, Energy Lounge. According to details provided by state police, Laras stands at 5-foot-7, weighs approximately 200 pounds, has brown hair, brown eyes, and is heavily tattooed with distinctive designs including the numbers 495 on his left shoulder and 1838 beneath the front of his neck.

On that fateful night, reports of gunfire at the Energy Lounge on 459 Broadway had officers rushing to the scene, where they found the 29-year-old victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite prompt medical attention, Javier-Perez was pronounced dead at an area hospital. An investigation uniting efforts from the Essex County District Attorney's Office, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Lawrence Police pointed to Laras as the trigger man. It was suggested that shortly after entering the club, Laras became entangled in an altercation with Javier-Perez, during which he produced a handgun and fired at close range before fleeing.

Armed with evidence from their investigation, authorities secured an arrest warrant from Essex Superior Court, charging Laras with murder and two counts of firearms violation, the latter charges intensified by prior convictions for violent or drug-related crimes. The weapon involved in this deadly encounter has yet to be found. The Massachusetts State Police have branded Laras as actively evasive and have warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous. The public is cautioned against approaching the suspect.

Those with information on the whereabouts of Franklin Laras are encouraged to keep a safe distance and instead reach out to the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section by dialing 1-800-KAPTURE (1-800-527-8873) or contacting 911 immediately.