LAWRENCE — The suspect in a murder on Christmas Eve at the Energy Lounge nightclub has been captured, authorities said.
Franklin Laras, 27, who allegedly shot and killed Edward Javier Perez, 29, “is now in custody,” Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker announced Thursday night.
Laras now faces arraignment Friday in Salem Superior Court.
Details on Laras’ capture were not available Thursday night.
An arrest warrant charges Laras with murder and two counts of firearms violation with two prior violent or drug crimes.
Laras has been wanted by police since the shooting at Energy Lounge at 459 Broadway. He was placed on the state’s most wanted list.
At 12:20 a.m. on Christmas Eve, Lawrence police responded to the nightclub for reported gunfire.
Officers found Javier-Perez wounded. He was treated by Lawrence police and emergency medical technicians and taken to Lawrence General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Laras was identified as the suspect after an investigation by Lawrence police, state troopers and Tucker’s office.
Laras is alleged to have had an altercation with Javier-Perez shortly after entering the nightclub. Laras allegedly drew a handgun and fired a shot at Javier-Perez from close range, according to a previous state police release.
He then fled the scene.
Laras was considered armed and dangerous. He also has ties to Springfield and Palmer, Massachusetts, state police said.
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