Arrest Made After Lawrence Teen Decapitated, Dumped in Merrimack River

LAWRENCE, MA — An arrest has been made in connection to the Lawrence teenager who was murdered, decapitated, and dumped into the Merrimack River, according to authorities.

Mathew Borges, 16, was arrested Saturday afternoon. He will be tried as an adult for murder in the first degree, Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett told reporters in a press conference. He did not comment on a motive.

The body of Lee Manuel Viloria-Paulino, 16, was discovered Thursday afternoon by a woman walking her dog by the river at McCabe Court.

Viloria-Paulino has been missing since November 19.

Blodgett said he believes the two were students at Lawrence High School, but would not comment on any relationship between the two.

Blodgett said he spoke to the victim's family on the phone once there was positive identification.

"This is a tragic loss for his family and friends," Blodgett said in a statement Friday. "We are working tirelessly to determine the person or persons responsible for Mr. Viloria-Paulino's death."

An autopsy is pending. Blodgett said the incident is "isolated" and said the public is not at risk.

The head of the individual was found near the body, authorities said.

Friends and family held a vigil for the teenager Friday night.

The teen's death shook the Lawrence community. Mayor Dan Rivera said city schools were notified about the incident. Police Chief James Fitzpatrick said an investigation is ongoing.

"There are people who want answers," Rivera said during a news conference Friday. "We're doing all we can to make this community safe."

Rivera said anyone with information on this case can contact authorities these ways:

• Essex County District Attorney's Office: 978-745-8908
• Lawrence police: 978-794-5900 x625
• Text an anonymous tip to 274637; type in "LAWPD" first

Top photo: Lee Manuel Viloria-Paulino. (Credit: Lawrence police)

Mike Carraggi, Patch Staff, contributed to this report