Jandriel Heredia, a 21-year-old male from Revere, was remembered by his family as a peaceful and hardworking young man with the "biggest heart and biggest smile." His mother, Ivelisse Garcia, called him a "nice, decent young man" who made her proud, while his uncle described him as an angel who never had an issue with anyone. Jandriel was the heart of his family, and his sudden loss left them incredibly heartbroken.
In the early hours of September 2, 2023, Jandriel was at a social gathering on Essex Street in Lynn, Massachusetts. Friends and family had come together for a party to celebrate a friend who was about to leave for college. At approximately 2:20 a.m., the joyous celebration was shattered when a vehicle drove by and someone inside opened fire on the crowd.
The gunfire struck seven people. Jandriel was rushed to a local hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries the following day, September 3.
Another man, 25-year-old Abraham Diaz of Lynn, was also killed in the attack. Five other people were wounded, one of them critically. Investigators from the Lynn Police Department and Massachusetts State Police quickly determined that the shooting was not a random act of violence but a targeted attack. For months, they worked to find those responsible for what the Essex County District Attorney called a "horrendous act of violence."
Nearly a year later, in July 2024, authorities announced a major breakthrough. Six individuals were arrested and charged in connection with the murders. The suspects were identified as Justin Alba, 25, of Peabody; and Lynn residents Darwin Batista, 20; Yefferson Vallecillo Cambar, 22; Carlos Ramirez Corniel, 16; Leonardo Espinoza, 15; and Abel Severino Reyes, 21. All six were charged with two counts of murder, and several also faced additional assault charges.
In September 2024, an Essex County grand jury formally indicted all six defendants. Each was indicted on two counts of murder, one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, and four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The two youngest defendants, Corniel and Espinoza, were indicted as youthful offenders. As of September 2024, the indictments have moved the case toward trial.
