LAWRENCE, Mass. (WHDH/AP) — Police are investigating the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old man in Lawrence.
Authorities said the victim was found near the intersection of Forest and Crescent streets at about 1:45 a.m. Wednesday.
Police identified the teen as Juan Espinal, a high school senior, who was loved by many friends and family.
“I want people to know that this is not okay, and it happens a lot,” said Juan’s cousin, Julissa Espinal.
Julissa said Juan loved basketball. His friends said he was a humble man.
“He wasn’t a kid who was out there looking for trouble,” Jesus Rivera said. “He was trying to take care of his mom. He didn’t deserve what happened.”
The Essex district attorney said no suspects are in custody.
One neighbor reported hearing seven or eight gunshots. Investigators collected evidence from the neighborhood.
Police said a 16-year-old boy was murdered in the same area in Dec. 2016.
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