Tyler Halley Arraigned for Murder in Lawrence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAWRENCE, Mass. – May 26, 2026 – In Lawrence District Court today, Tyler Halley, 21, of Lawrence was arraigned on charges of murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker confirms. On Saturday, May 23, 2026 at approximately 3:18 a.m., the Lawrence Police Department received a 911 call and subsequently responded to an apartment at 240 Canal Street. Upon arrival, Madison Tesniere, 20, was located with a severe head wound. The unresponsive victim was immediately transported to Merrimack Health Lawrence Hospital and, shortly after arriving, she was pronounced deceased.

The incident is being investigated by Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to DA Tucker’s office, the Lawrence Police Department, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

In court today before the Hon. Carol-Ann T. Fraser, Halley pleaded not guilty to the charges and was ordered held without bail. Assistant District Attorney Erin Bellavia represented the Commonwealth at the arraignment. Case materials have been impounded. The defendant was represented by attorney Amy Sixt. Halley is scheduled to return to court on June 24 for a probable cause hearing.

All suspects and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Note: This release, originally posted May 25, was updated on May 26 to reflect the defendant's arraignment, and on May 27 to include the identity of the deceased.

MEDIA CONTACT

Michael Keefe-Feldman

E: Michael.Keefe-Feldman@mass.gov

Office: 978-745-6610

Cell: 781-771-9776