Press Release  Boston Man Sentenced to Life for 2017 Murder of Lawrence Man

Lawrence, MA — Judge Helene Kazanjian sentenced a Boston man to life in prison without parole for the murder of a 25-year old Lawrence man.

A jury found Jeffery Tapia, 28, guilty of First-Degree Murder this morning, following a 5-day trial. The jury also returned guilty verdicts for Armed Assault with Intent to Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. 

“This was a senseless killing that a robbed a family of a beloved son, grandson and brother and has left two children fatherless,” Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett said.  “Nothing we do can restore what the Hernandez family has lost, but I hope with this verdict and sentence, they are able to find some peace.”

Essex Assistant District Attorney AJ Camelio introduced evidence that proved that Mr. Tapia shot two brothers at a house party at 234 Bailey Street in Lawrence on July 30, 2017.  Jensey Hernandez was transported to Lawrence General Hospital where he was pronounced dead, and Javier Hernandez, now 31, has permanent loss of function of his right arm.  The brothers were shot during an altercation with the defendant outside of a house party after Javier argued with an associate of the defendant.

After a police investigation, video footage from a neighboring house showed the altercation and shooting, along with footage of the defendant standing outside of the house party with three women prior to the shooting. Presented as evidence were an empty holster, and nine millimeter shell casing which was consistent with the weapon used in the shooting of the Hernandez brothers. 

Judge Kazanjian also imposed concurrent sentences of 15 to 20 years for Armed Assault with Intent to Murder and 4 to 5 years for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. 

In requesting the maximum sentence, ADA Camelio said, “But for the timely intervention of his friends, Javier likely would have died like his brother.  He has dealt with this devastating loss of his brother and his own loss of function of his arm with dignity and grace.  Nothing I say can bring his brother back.”

ADA Camelio prosecuted the case with assistance of ADA Stefanie Stanbro, Victim Witness Advocate Jocelyn Pichardo. He thanked Massachusetts State Police Trooper Steve Buccheri and Lawrence Police Detective William Colantuni for their assistance on the investigation.

Defense Attorney Peter Marano and Kenneth Bagnall represented the defendant.

Photo: Javier and Jensey Hernandez

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