Josef Guillen Convicted for 2021 Lawrence Murder of Jeffrey Ruiz
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SALEM, Mass. – October 30, 2025 – On October 22, an Essex County jury found Josef Guillen, 23 of Lawrence, guilty of murder in the first degree of 21-year-old Jeffrey Ruiz of Lowell, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker confirms. The Superior Court jury also found Guillen guilty of two counts of possession of a large capacity feeding device as well as possession of ammunition without a FID card. The charges stem from a December 5, 2021 shooting incident near 40 Crosby Street in Lawrence. Authorities said what was supposed to be a planned meetup instead resulted in the shooting death of Ruiz by Guillen. In Superior Court today, the Hon. Kristen Buxton sentenced Guillen to not less than 25 years in state prison for the murder. The judge also delivered sentences, to be served concurrently, of not less than two years and six months for two counts of possession of a large-capacity feeding device and two years for possession of ammunition without a FID card.
Assistant District Attorney Mary Eileen Spano presented technological evidence including text messages, videos, and motor vehicle data about the planned meetup as well as extensive video footage of the incident. She noted that, in the hours following the shooting, Guillen abandoned his phone and his vehicle, disposed of the murder weapon, and changed his appearance. Spano also argued that shell casings found at the scene of the crime matched the unique type of ammunition found in Guillen’s bedroom.
Tucker recognized the exemplary work of Spano, who was assisted by Assistant District Attorney Jessica Strasnick and Victim/Witness Advocate Erika German. Tucker also acknowledged the work of the Lawrence Police Department, including Sgt. Christopher Cote, and Massachusetts State Police, including Sgt. Thomas Sullivan and the Detective Unit assigned to the district attorney’s office. Guillen was represented by attorney Robin Gagne.
Note: This release, originally published on October 22, 2025, was updated on Thursday, October 30 to reflect the sentence imposition.
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