Suspect in Mass. club shooting pleads not guilty to Christmas Eve killing

A Lawrence man who prosecutors claim fatally shot a 29-year-old man inside a nightclub last Christmas Eve before fleeing to Mexico pleaded not guilty during his arraignment at Essex County Superior Court Friday morning, officials said.

Franklin M. Laras, 27, was also ordered held without bail, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker said in a statement.

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Laras will return to court for a hearing on Nov. 13, the statement said.

Laras is accused of killing Edward Javier-Perez at the Energy Lounge in Lawrence on Dec. 24, 2023, according to prosecutors. He was arrested in Mexico City in August before he was extradited to the U.S. and taken back to Essex County.

Authorities said Laras fled the U.S. shortly after he killed Javier-Perez.

“Today, we offer our sincere gratitude for the tenacity of all those whose efforts aligned to apprehend this defendant,” Tucker said. “The return of Mr. Laras to the Commonwealth demonstrates our commitment to justice and to the family of Edward Javier-Perez.”