On a late summer night that should have been filled with celebration, the life of 25-year-old Hispanic male Abraham Diaz of Lynn, Massachusetts, was tragically cut short. In the early morning hours of Saturday, September 2, 2023, Diaz was at a gathering on Essex Street with friends, celebrating a significant milestone — a friend's departure for college. The festive atmosphere was shattered at approximately 2:20 a.m. when a drive-by shooting erupted, targeting the party.
Diaz was fatally wounded in the barrage of gunfire.
The violent act not only claimed the life of Abraham Diaz but also resulted in the death of 21-year-old Jandriel Heredia of Revere. Five other individuals at the gathering sustained injuries in the attack, which authorities later stated they did not believe was a random act of violence. The shooting sent shockwaves through the Lynn community, turning a joyous occasion into a scene of chaos and profound loss. Diaz was remembered by his brother as a "good kid" who was dedicated to giving back to his community.
A lengthy investigation involving the Lynn Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations followed the double homicide. More than ten months after the tragic night, authorities announced that six individuals had been indicted in connection with the murders. The suspects were identified as Lynn residents Darwin Batista, 20; Yefferson Vallecillo Cambar, 22; Carlos Ramirez Corniel, 16; Leonardo Espinoza, 15; and Abel Severino Reyes, 21, along with 25-year-old Justin Alba of Peabody.
Each of the six suspects was charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Abraham Diaz and Jandriel Heredia. Four of the accused—Alba, Batista, Vallecillo Cambar, and Severino Reyes—also faced additional charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Due to their ages, two of the suspects, Carlos Ramirez Corniel and Leonardo Espinoza, were indicted as youthful offenders. Following their arraignment, the defendants pleaded not guilty and were ordered to be held without bail.
