FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SALEM, Mass. – September 25, 2024 – In Superior Court today, Adrian Corniel De La Cruz, 20, of Lawrence, pled guilty to the 2021 murder of Edward Javier of Lawrence, who was 25 at the time of his death. Corniel De La Cruz was 17 at the time of the fatal shooting. Authorities found Javier deceased from gunshot wounds at 461 Haverhill St. in Lawrence on May 14, 2021. On the murder charge, Corniel De La Cruz received a life sentence with eligibility for a parole hearing after serving 19 years.

“We sincerely hope the resolution of this case provides some closure to the family of Edward Javier,” said Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker. “I would like to thank all those whose efforts have helped ensure justice, including the Lawrence Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to this office, and Assistant District Attorney Susan Dolhun.”

In addition to murder, Corniel De La Cruz also pled guilty to other charges stemming from subsequent violent incidents that occurred in the Essex County House of Correction: two felony counts of armed assault with intent to murder, three felony counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, two felony counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and one felony count of assault with a dangerous weapon on a correction officer. On those charges, Corniel De La Cruz received an additional three years following his murder sentence.

“The safety of my officers is my top priority,” said Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger, “and when someone targets one of our officers, we take action. I am thankful to the District Attorney’s Office for their unwavering support in reinforcing the message that any attack on our officers will not be tolerated and that we stand united in protecting those in law enforcement.”

Dolhun prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. The Hon. Salim Tabit presided over the case. Corniel De La Cruz was represented by attorneys Timothy Connors and Brian Anderson. A co-defendant in the case, Angel Paredes, is scheduled to go to trial on November 6 on charges of being an accessory after the fact, assault and battery on a police officer, and witness intimidation.

All suspects and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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Michael Keefe-Feldman

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