Lawrence man pleads guilty to 2021 murder – NBC Boston

A Lawrence, Massachusetts man pleaded guilty Wednesday to a 2021 murder in the city.

Adrian Corniel De La Cruz, 20, has been charged with murder in the death of Edward Javier, who was shot and killed on Haverhill Street in Lawrence on May 14, 2021. Javier was 25 and Corniel De La Cruz was 17 at the time of his death.

Corniel De La Cruz also pleaded guilty to additional charges arising from incidents while he was incarcerated at the Essex County House of Correction: two counts of armed assault with intent to murder, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon against a correctional officer.

“The safety of my officers is my top priority,” Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger said in a media statement. “When someone targets one of our officers, we take action. I am grateful to the District Attorney's Office for their tireless support in spreading the message that attacks on our officers will not be tolerated and that we are united in protecting law enforcement.”

Corniel De La Cruz was sentenced to life in prison with probation after serving 19 years for murder and an additional three years for assault. The trial of a co-defendant in the case, Angel Paredes, is scheduled to begin in November.