Two men arrested in connection with Lawrence party shooting
News Release, May 1, 2023
Two men were arrested Monday on weapons charges amid the investigation into a fatal shooting at a Lawrence house party over the weekend, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker announced.
Saul Enrique Morales Espinosa, 22, of Lawrence, and Joshual Ramirez, 20, also of Lawrence, were each charged with two felony counts: carrying a firearm without a license, and carrying a loaded firearm. Each was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on May 9.
Espinosa and Ramirez both pleaded not guilty during remote arraignments held Monday before Lawrence District Court Judge Stephen Geary. Espinosa remains hospitalized in Boston with gunshot wounds while Ramirez remains hospitalized locally, also with gunshot wounds.
Espinosa was represented by attorney Colin Farhart of North Andover and Ramirez was represented by attorney Jon Andrews of Groveland.
The case remains under active investigation by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office State Police Detective Unit and detectives from the Lawrence Police Department. The Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section has assisted in the case.
The Lawrence Police Department responded to a disturbance call involving shots fired at 5 Royal Street, Apt. 3, Lawrence about 3 a.m. Sunday. They found six people suffering from gunshot wounds.
All were taken to Lawrence General Hospital, where Desiderio Arias, 18, of 128 Boxford St., Lawrence, was pronounced deceased.
Espinosa and another individual were flown by medical helicopter to Boston hospitals for additional treatment. None of the survivors’ conditions was immediately available for release.