Press Release  Lawrence Woman Arraigned on Assault Charges

Methuen, Massachusetts — A 23-year old Lawrence woman accused of assaulting her 63-year old aunt, who later died, was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Friday, November 30^th.  A plea of not guilty was entered on her behalf.

Modesta Gomez was arraigned this afternoon on 2 counts of assault & battery, assault & battery on a person over 60 and assault & battery with a dangerous weapon before Judge Ernest Sarason in Lawrence District Court.   Essex Assistant District Attorney Frank Cannone represented the Commonwealth.

According to the police report, Methuen Police responded to reports of a fight at 21 Bicknell Avenue at approximately 10:00 pm on Sunday.  Upon arrival, police found Martina Gomez, 63, in the back seat of a motor vehicle as family members were attempting to drive her to the hospital.  Responding officers provided medical aid until an ambulance arrived and transported her to Lawrence General Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Modesta Gomez allegedly drove to the Methuen home from Lawrence due to a family dispute on social media.  As the defendant allegedly assaulted her cousin, her aunt, the elder Gomez, attempted to break up the fight and was allegedly struck by the defendant.    

The case remains under investigation by the Essex District Attorney’s Office, the Essex State Police Detective Unit and the Methuen Police.  The Officer of the Chief Medical Examiner is performing an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. 

The defendant was represented by Attorney Ronald Ranta and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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