Following Extradition, Jose Sanchez Held without Bail for Murder of Luis Mendez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAWRENCE, Mass. – June 16, 2025 – In Lawrence District Court today, Jose Sanchez, 27, of the Dominican Republic, was held without bail after pleading not guilty to the murder of Luis Mendez of Lawrence, who was 38 when he was shot to death at a house party in the basement of 210 Market Street in Lawrence on April 25, 2022, the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker announces. Sanchez was charged with murder following Mendez’s 2022 death but fled prior to his arrest. In October of 2024, Sanchez was apprehended in the Dominican Republic, where he remained until his extradition to the United States on June 13.
Sanchez was arraigned in Lawrence District Court today before the Hon. Raquel D. Ruano. Assistant District Attorney Kelleen Forlizzi is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Jocelyn Pichardo is serving as victim/witness advocate. Sanchez was represented by attorney Robin Gagne.
Detective Kevin Nigohosian, Sergeant Christopher Cote, and the Lawrence Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Office of the Essex District Attorney investigated the case. The United States Department of Justice coordinated Sanchez’s return to the U.S. to face the murder charge, along with the United States Marshals Service, the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger, and the Lawrence Police Department.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the United States Department of Justice for their collaboration and commitment to public safety, which were instrumental in the successful extradition of the defendant,” said Tucker. “Further, I would like to thank all of our law enforcement partners whose diligent work on this matter made today’s arraignment possible.”
All suspects and defendants and presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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