BOSTON (WHDH) - A suspect already in custody for allegedly selling fentanyl will soon face murder and weapons charges for the shooting death of a teenager in Mattapan, according to officials.
At a news conference on Monday, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said that Csean Skerritt, 34, will be charged in connection with the murder of 13-year-old Tyler Lawrence.
Lawrence, who lived in Norwood, was walking by the intersection of Babson and Fremont streets in Mattapan on Sunday, Jan. 29, when he was killed. The teen had been in the area to visit his grandparents.
Hayden said the investigation led police to Skerritt, who had been taken into custody a day before for allegedly distributing fentanyl on Feb. 1, just days after Lawrence’s death. Court documents stated Skerritt allegedly sold 50 grams of fentanyl to an undercover agent before he was arrested.
In the aftermath of his murder, the teen’s mother, Remy Lawrence, called on city leaders and community members to help get justice for her son.
“Everybody in this city should be outraged and if you’re not what’s wrong … I just left a funeral home,” she said through tears on Tuesday, Jan. 31. “I want to know where are you people? It’s 11:20 in the morning, somebody saw something. And if you know something say something, it could be your son.”
Later meeting with the victim’s mother, Hayden called Tyler’s death “shattering” and “an immeasurable loss for the Lawrence family and for the city.”
On Monday, he continued to commend the family for their courage in the face of tragedy.
“Tyler Lawrence’s family has shown extraordinary courage and strength during this time of loss,” Hayden said. “I met with Tyler’s mother last week and I attended his memorial service just yesterday and I can personally attest to the enormous love and admiration for Tyler from everyone that he knew and touched.”
The district attorney went on to emphasize that authorities were still gathering information regarding the shooting and asked that anyone with information contact police.
Officials previously asked that those who wish to share info contact Boston Police Homicide Detectives at (617) 343-4470.
Update:
In a statement provided by the organization Survivors Say, Remy Lawrence shared her family’s reaction to Monday’s news:
“Our family is relieved and grateful that Boston Police and the District Attorney’s Office have taken the first steps toward justice for our beloved Tyler, who was taken from us last Sunday morning as he walked near his grandparent’s house. We would like to thank all of the investigators, the detectives, and the elected officials for their continued support for our family, for their integrity and their persistence. We would also like to thank the Town of Norwood, the Norwood Public Schools, Keisha Desir and all of the family, friends and supporters who came together yesterday to honor and remember our Tyler. Those who have stood with us have displayed an immense outpouring of love and support and we are so grateful for it at this difficult time. We will have no other comments at this time to ensure we protect the integrity of the ongoing police investigation and we encourage anyone with any further information to come forward to the police investigators.”
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