Press Release  Man Convicted of Murder in Easter Day Shooting

Lynn, Massachusetts — A jury found a 47-year old man guilty of murder, assault and human trafficking in a brazen shooting that took the life of a blind, disabled man two years ago on Easter Sunday in Lynn.  The verdicts were returned this afternoon in Salem Superior Court following an 8 day trial and 3 days of deliberation.  Judge Timothy Feeley will impose sentence on September 30, 2019.

William A. Cash, 47 was found guilty of second degree murder, armed assault to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily harm, assault and battery dangerous weapon by means of discharging a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a loaded firearm.  He was also convicted of 2 counts of human trafficking based on evidence discovered during the murder investigation.  The jury returned a not guilty verdict on an assault and battery with a dangerous weapon charge that was related to the human trafficking activity.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Susan Dolhun introduced evidence that proved that on April 16, 2017, Cash shot two men as they were walking home from church in Central Square in Lynn, over a woman he repeatedly attempted to pull into his prostitution ring.  Evidence showed that Cash shot the men after they told him to leave the woman alone.  Lenardo Clement, 46, who was disabled and legally blind, was transported to Union Hospital and pronounced dead.  Prince Belin, who was 41 at the time, was transported to Mass General Hospital with serious injuries. He survived the shooting but has since died of unrelated causes.

 ADA Dolhun also introduced evidence that proved that Cash was profiting from prostitution activity of two women who worked out of a Mall Street apartment.

 “What should have been a peaceful day was marred by violence in front of several witnesses in the heart of Lynn,” said Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett. “Lenardo Clement, as ADA Dolhun said during her opening statements ‘ died for nothing.’ My thoughts are with the friends and loved ones of Mr. Clement and Mr. Prince, who undoubtedly are left with a huge void that can never be filled.”

ADA Dolhun was assisted at trial by Essex ADA Kristen Buxton and Essex Victim Advocate Cristina Garcia. ADA Dolhun thanked Essex State Police Detective Steve Buccheri and Lynn Police Detective Tim Ferrari.

The defendant was represented by Attorneys Kirsten O’Brien and Robert Sheketoff.

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