Miguel Vega Rodriguez Pleads Guilty in Fatal Shooting of Delvis Paulino-Fernandez

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SALEM, Mass. – December 19, 2024 – In Superior Court in Salem today, Miguel Angel Vega Rodriguez, 23, of Lawrence, pled guilty in connection to charges stemming from a May 3, 2020 shooting at a small backyard gathering at 141 Newton Street in Lawrence which resulted in the death of Delvis Paulino-Fernandez, 26, of Lawrence, the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker announces. The shooting also wounded two other men.

Vega Rodriguez pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter, two counts of armed assault to murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, and carrying a firearm without a license. The Hon. Camille F. Sarrouf, Jr. ordered Vega Rodriguez to serve a total of 22 to 26 years in state prison followed by three years of probation, during which time he may not have contact with victims or witnesses or possess weapons or ammunition and must seek and maintain employment.

Alexander Grimes led the prosecution on behalf of the Commonwealth, along with prosecutors A.J. Camelio and Emily Mello. Jocelyn Pichardo served as victim/witness advocate. Vega Rodriguez was represented by attorney George E. Murphy, Jr.

The shooting was investigated by detectives from the Lawrence Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Detectives Unit for Essex County.

Last year, a co-defendant in the same case, Hector Baez, 27, of Haverhill and Lawrence, also pled guilty and received an identical sentence from the Hon. Janice W. Howe.

“Following this guilty plea, Miguel Vega Rodriguez will now face the consequences for his terrible actions,” said Tucker. “I greatly appreciate all those who have worked diligently on this case. I would especially like to thank the family of Delvis Paulino-Fernandez, who will not be forgotten.”

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