Man wanted for murder of Luis Mendez, returns to Massachusetts after arrest in Dominican Republic

A suspect in a Massachusetts murder has been extradited back to the Bay State, according to District Attorney Paul Tucker.

On April 25, 2022, thirty-eight-year-old Luis Mendez, of Lawrence, was shot to death at a party in the basement of 210 Market Street in Lawrence, Massachusetts. 

Twenty-seven-year-old Jose L. Sanchez, of the Dominican Republic, was charged with first-degree murder and fled prior to his arrest. 

In October of 2024, Sanchez was apprehended in the Dominican Republic, where he remained until his extradition on Friday.  His arraignment is tentatively scheduled for Monday in the Lawrence District Court,

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the United States Department of Justice. Their collaboration and commitment to public safety were instrumental in the successful extradition of the defendant.  Further, I would like to thank the United States Marshals Service, Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger, the Massachusetts State Police, MSP VFAS Unit and the Lawrence Police Department whose continued partnership and assistance were critical in achieving this result,” said District Attorney Tucker.