LYNN, Mass. — Law enforcement officials on Wednesday identified the suspect and victim in a deadly stabbing that occurred inside a convenience store in Lynn on Tuesday night.
Iram Allen, 15, was arraigned as an adult in Lynn District Court on a charge of murder in the death of 17-year-old Daniel Marquez Santeliz, according to Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker and Lynn Police Chief Chris Reddy.
A second teen, whose name isn’t being released, was arraigned separately on a charge of possession of a dangerous weapon, Tucker and Reddy said.
Allen, who was allowed to stay hidden behind a screen, pleaded not guilty and the second suspect was released to the custody of their parents.
Allen’s family did not want to talk about the murder charge. “
When asked by Boston 25 reporter Katie Brace if they had any comment Allen’s sister said “I swear to God. I am going to throw this water and mess up your pretty hair, do you want that,”
Even though Allen is charged as an adult, the court impounded all the documents relating to the case.
Officers responding to the Alpha Convenience Store at 1 Freeman Square around 6 p.m. found Santeliz suffering from serious stab wounds, officials said.
“I think there are two groups of kids they know each other,” said owner Maksedur Khan. “They just came and started punching each other and got hurt.”
Santeliz was rushed to Salem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Ruthena Davis-Riviera happened to be at the courthouse. She has seen the victim’s family around but doesn’t know them personally.
“Teens killing teens, it doesn’t make sense,” said Davis-Riviera. “There’s got to be a change in Lynn get the guns off the street and knives off the street and let these kids have a life.”
Allen was ordered held without bail.
The convenience store owner told Boston 25 News that two groups of teenagers, apparently known to each other, started throwing punches. The encounter then escalated and one person was fatally stabbed in the stomach.
Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson said he is heartbroken over the loss of life, stressing that safety is the city’s main concern moving forward, especially with the new school year starting in a few weeks.
“My heart breaks for the family of the victim we lost tonight and for our community at this senseless act of violence,” Nicholson wrote in a statement. “Our students starting a new school year in a few weeks should know that their safety is of primary concern to all of us. I join the entire city in mourning the loss of this young person and in our resolve against all forms of violence.”
State troopers assigned to the Essex DA’s office are assisting Lynn police with the ongoing investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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