Robert Severino, a 24-year-old previously from Lawrence, has been arrested and arraigned on charges associated with the 2017 killing of 18-year-old Juan Espinal, also of Lawrence. The arrest was made earlier today in Worcester, and Severino was subsequently arraigned in Lawrence District Court, where he pleaded not guilty. The presiding judge, the Hon. Jason Chan ordered Severino to be held without bail. This development comes as a result of a collaborative effort involving the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitives Apprehension Section, the Worcester Police Department, the Lawrence Police Department, and State Police detectives working in the office of Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker.
Back on March 8, 2017, Espinal, a student and high school basketball player, was pronounced dead on the scene at the intersection of Crescent and Forest streets in Lawrence. The investigation has led authorities to believe that Severino, alongside another assailant, fired multiple shots at Espinal, leading to his death. According to the Essex County District Attorney's Office, evidence points to Severino as one of two perpetrators in this tragic event.
The arraignment was overseen by Assistant District Attorney Jessica Fleet on the Commonwealth's behalf. Defense for Severino was provided by attorney John MacLachlan. Looking ahead, Severino's legal proceedings are set to continue with a virtual court session, specifically a probable cause hearing slated for Monday, November 18, 2024. It remains crucial to note that despite the serious nature of the charges, all suspects and defendants maintain the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise in a court of law.
