Press Release  DA Blodgett's Statement on Suspected Homicide in Lawrence

Lawrence, Massachusetts — At approximately 2:42 yesterday afternoon, a woman who was walking her dog, called 911 to report a body found in the Merrimack River off Water Street.  A male body, that had been decapitated, was found.  Police recovered the head a short distance away from the body.

District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett has made the following statement concerning this discovery:

“This is obviously shocking and disconcerting news, however, based upon our investigation, we believe it is an isolated incident. In order to protect the integrity of the investigation, my office is not able to release detailed information, nor will we engage in speculation about the facts and circumstances of this suspected homicide.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy today.  Once they make a positive identification and we are able to notify the next of kin, my office will make that information public.

Our goal is to find the truth about what happened to this victim and to secure justice for him and his family.”

By statute, the District Attorney’s Office is responsible for all death investigations in the county.  

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