Massachusetts District Attorney identifies 14-year-old accused of murdering 18-year-old Lionel Isaac Martinez

In District Court Friday, a 14-year-old Massachusetts teen was arraigned for the murder of 18-year-old Lionel Isaac Martinez of Lynn, the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker has announced.

Martinez was fatally shot on January 8, 2026, on Jackson Street in Lynn.

On the day of the shooting, the Lynn Police Department received and responded to a call at approximately 4:10 p.m., Martinez was conscious and alert on scene when first responders arrived. He was then transported to Salem Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries later that evening.

Jayden Maldonado, 14, of Lynn, who was arrested yesterday, was ordered held without bail, and is scheduled to return to court for a hearing on March 20th.

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser, Lionel was returning from a dentist appointment. During the incident, his motorcycle—which he used for work in the summer—was stolen.

He was described as polite, respectful, hardworking, and dedicated to his studies.

All suspects and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.