FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAWRENCE, Mass. – September 19, 2024 – The Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker announces that Thomas A. Pizarro, 33, of Methuen, was arraigned today in Lawrence District Court for the murder of Steven Hernandez, 33, of Lawrence. Pizarro was apprehended by the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS) without incident in Boston yesterday. In court today, Pizarro pled not guilty and was ordered held without bail, without prejudice.

Hernandez was shot on the 300 block of Water Street in Lawrence on the morning of Saturday, September 14. The Lawrence Police Department responded to a call of shots fired in the area at approximately 7 a.m. that day and found Hernandez suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Hernandez was treated on scene by EMTs and then transferred to Lawrence General Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The investigation into the fatal shooting involved the Lawrence Police Department and MSP detectives assigned to Tucker’s office.

“We greatly appreciate the work of the Massachusetts State Police and the Lawrence Police Department in pursuing this suspect following the murder of Steven Hernandez,” said Tucker.

Mary Eileen Spano is representing the Commonwealth in the case. For purposes of bail, the defendant was represented by attorney Patrick Hakes. Pizarro is due to return to court for a hearing on October 11.

All suspects and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Michael Keefe-Feldman

E: Michael.Keefe-Feldman@mass.gov

Office: 978-745-6610

Cell: 781-771-9779