6 Massachusetts residents charged in double murder that left 5 others injured

Lynn, Mass. – The Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker has charged six suspects in connection to the drive-by shooting that left Jandriel Heredia, 21, of Revere, and Abraham Diaz, 25, of Lynn dead, and five others injured. The shooting took place at approximately 2:20 a.m. on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at a gathering held at 189 Essex Street in Lynn. The following defendants have been charged with two counts of murder: Justin Alba, 25, of Peabody; and Lynn residents Darwin Batista, 20; Yefferson Vallecillo Cambar, 22; Carlos Ramirez Corniel, 16; Leonardo Espinoza, 15; and Abel Severino Reyes, 21.

In addition, Alba, Batista, Vallecillo Cambar, and Severino Reyes are charged with one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

“This investigation involved the Lynn Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and State Police Detective Unit for Essex County, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations,” Tucker said. “These indictments are a result of their tremendous work in following through on their commitment to the Lynn community, and I would also like to thank prosecutors Jessica Strasnick, Marina Moriarty, and Caitlin Shugrue for their excellent work thusfar on this case.”

“The double homicide that occurred last year was incredibly tragic,” Lynn Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said. “While nothing will replace the loss of Abraham Diaz and Jandriel Heredia or change how many lives were forever impacted by such heinous acts of violence, these charges are a meaningful step for the families as well as our entire community, which continues to deserve and demand peace.”

Nicholson added, “I appreciate the tireless efforts of all the law enforcement agencies that made this moment possible and the support those efforts have received from our community.”

“In the hours following this attack, we pledged to pursue and bring to justice those who committed these horrific crimes,” Lynn Chief of Police Chris Reddy said. “I want to express my gratitude for the dedicated and determined efforts by members of the Lynn Police, the Massachusetts State Police, the Office of District Attorney Paul Tucker, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that resulted in the arrests of these individuals.”

“We remain committed to working for justice on behalf of these victims and their families,” Reddy added.

“When gun violence threatens our communities and our neighborhoods,” Tucker concluded, “we will continue to work together to protect the families and individuals we serve in Essex County, and to bring to justice those that commit any and all violent crimes.”