A 27 year old man with ties to both Springfield and Palmer has been added to the Massachusetts Most Wanted List. Franklin Laras is accused of the Christmas Eve 2023 murder of a man at a Lawrence Lounge.
According to a State Polcie statement:
"On Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, Lawrence Police responded to reports of gunfire at the Energy Lounge at 459 Broadway. Officers located Javier-Perez, 29, suffering from a gunshot wound. Javier-Perez was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. An investigation by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police, and Lawrence Police identified LARAS as the shooter. Evidence suggests that shortly after entering the club, LARAS had an altercation with Javier-Perez, during which he drew a handgun and shot the victim from close range. LARAS fled the scene and remains at large. The firearm used in the shooting was not recovered."
Laras is 5 feet seven inches tall, 200 pounds with brown hair and eyes.
He has "1838" tatooed below his neck. He should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information should call either Massachusetts State Police or their local police department.
(Photo: Massachusetts State Police)