In a serious turn of events, Miguel Angel Vega Rodriguez, 23, of Lawrence, has entered a guilty plea in the 2020 shooting death of 26-year-old Delvis Paulino-Fernandez. The incident, which took place within the small confines of a backyard gathering at 141 Newton Street in Lawrence, not only claimed the life of Paulino-Fernandez but also injured two other men.
According to the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker, Vega Rodriguez conceded to charges encompassing voluntary manslaughter, two counts of armed assault to murder, assault, and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and carrying a firearm without a license. Superior Court Judge Camille F. Sarrouf, Jr. delivered Vega Rodriguez a sentence of 22 to 26 years in state prison followed by a three-year probation period in which he is barred from contacting victims or witnesses and is mandated to both seek and maintain employment, and to not possess any weapons or ammunition.
A team of prosecutors including Alexander Grimes, A.J. Camelio, and Emily Mello represented the Commonwealth in this case with Jocelyn Pichardo acting in support as the victim/witness advocate. Defense for Vega Rodriguez was provided by attorney George E. Murphy, Jr. The case was thoroughly investigated by the detectives of Lawrence Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Detectives Unit for Essex County.
Hector Baez, 27, who's ties span both Haverhill and Lawrence, was identified as a co-defendant in the case. He similarly pled guilty last year and was handed down an equivalent sentence by the Hon. Janice W. Howe. District Attorney Tucker acknowledged the gravity of the plea stating, "Following this guilty plea, Miguel Vega Rodriguez will now face the consequences for his terrible actions." He went on to commend those involved in the prosecution and specifically thanked the grieving family of Delvis Paulino-Fernandez, assuring that their loved one "will not be forgotten," as detailed by the Office of Essex County District Attorney.
