Press Release  Lawrence Man Sentenced to Life in Drug Murder

Salem, Massachusetts — A Salem Superior Court jury convicted Jose Rivera, Jr., 34, of Lawrence, of second degree murder today for orchestrating the September 9, 2012, murder of Martin Butt, 27, of Reading.  Judge Timothy Feeley sentenced him to life in state prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Kirshenbaum introduced evidence that proved that Rivera believed that Butt had robbed his “drug runner” and planned his murder in retribution. Police found Butt on Union Street in Lawrence in the middle of the day, suffering from gunshot wounds to the back and head.

“The defendant had just served a 10-year federal prison sentence on a drug-related offense when he committed this vicious crime in broad daylight in the middle of the street,” said ADA Kirshenbaum.  “His actions show no regard for the law or the community.”

“This was a brazen killing in broad daylight motivated by a drug dealer protecting his operation,” District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett said.  “This is another example of the close link of drugs and violence.”

Co-defendant Albert Vasquez is also charged with murder and is awaiting trial.  He is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.

ADA Kirshenbaum was assisted by ADA James Gubitose and Essex Victim Advocate Kathleen Draper.  She also commended Massachusetts State Police Troopers Joshua Ulrich and Robert LaBarge and detectives from the Lawrence Police Department.

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