Authorities identify man who died in custody

News Release, April 29, 2023

Six people were shot early Sunday – one fatally – during a house party in Lawrence, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker announced.

The Lawrence Police Department responded to a disturbance call at 5 Royal Street, Apt. 3, about 3 a.m., where they found the gunshot victims.

All six were taken to Lawrence General Hospital, where Desiderio Arias, 18, of 128 Boxford St., Lawrence, was pronounced deceased.

Two of the other victims were flown by medical helicopter to Boston hospitals for additional treatment. None of the survivors’ conditions was immediately available for release.

The shootings are being investigated by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office State Police Detective Unit and detectives from the Lawrence Police Department.

Based on the initial investigation, the shootings are not believed to be a random act of violence.