Crime & Safety
Niece Strikes Aunt, Who Dies Breaking Up Family Fight: DA
A 23-year-old woman was held without bail on charges of assaulting her aunt, who later died, and cousin.
METHUEN, MA — A woman died after trying to break up a family fight in her Methuen home, and now her niece is facing charges.
The Essex County District Attorney's Office said 23-year-old Modesta Gomez struck her aunt, 63-year-old Martina Gomez, while in a fight with her cousin over a family dispute on social media Sunday night. The elder Gomez fell unresponsive.
Police arrived to find Martina Gomez in the back seat of a car, her family trying to drive her to the hospital. Officers provided aid and an ambulance brought her to Lawrence General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
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Modesta Gomez, of Lawrence, was arraigned Monday two counts of assault and battery, assault and battery on a person over 60, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. She pleaded not guilty, and will be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Friday.
Police are still investigating.
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