In the early hours of a Sunday morning in North Andover, Massachusetts, the life of 21-year-old Jaeby Ortiz Ruiz was tragically cut short. On March 10, 2024, the young Hispanic man from Haverhill was found dead from a fatal gunshot wound on Riverview Street, an area nestled between residential homes and the steady presence of the Merrimack River and the MBTA Haverhill Line tracks. His sudden death left his family and friends in a state of profound grief, remembering him as a humble and loyal person with a big smile, who loved basketball and listening to music.
The investigation into the death of Jaeby Ortiz Ruiz quickly led law enforcement to a suspect. Derick Moncion, a 22-year-old also from Haverhill, was identified as the alleged perpetrator. A warrant for his arrest on the charge of murder was issued, and he was taken into custody on the Monday following the shooting. The case is being handled by the Essex County District Attorney's Office, with collaboration from the North Andover, Lawrence, and Haverhill Police Departments.
Following his arrest, Derick Moncion was arraigned in Lawrence District Court. While details surrounding the motive and the specific events leading to the shooting have not been publicly released, the case is expected to proceed to a grand jury, which would move the case to Superior Court. In the wake of this violence, the family of Jaeby Ortiz Ruiz has been left to navigate their immense loss, creating a GoFundMe to help with the financial burden of his funeral and seeking a "beautiful forever resting spot" for their beloved son and brother.
