Authorities make arrest in fatal shooting of 18-year-old high school basketball player

LAWRENCE, Mass. – Robert Severino, 24, formerly of Lawrence, was arrested and arraigned Thursday for the 2017 murder of Juan Espinal of Lawrence, who was killed at the age of 18, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker announced. Severino was arrested without incident in Worcester and was arraigned for Espinal’s murder in Lawrence District Court this afternoon. Severino pled not guilty before the Hon. Jason Chan, who ordered the defendant held without bail.

On Wednesday, March 8, 2017, Espinal was pronounced deceased at the intersection of Crescent and Forest streets. Authorities say the evidence demonstrates that Espinal was shot multiple times by two assailants, one of which was Severino. At the time of his death, Espinal was a student and high school basketball player in Lawrence.

Two suspects reportedly lied in wait behind a parked car and ambushed Espinal as he walked home.

The arrest was a collaborative effort by the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitives Apprehension Section, the Worcester Police Department, the Lawrence Police Department, and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to Tucker’s office.

Assistant District Attorney Jessica Fleet handled the arraignment on behalf of the Commonwealth in Lawrence District Court. The defendant was represented by attorney John MacLachlan. Severino is next scheduled for a virtual court session probable cause hearing on Monday, November 18.