Lowell Man Indicted For Allegedly Trying To Murder Girlfriend at Motel

(Editor's Note: The following indictments were handed down this month by the Middlesex County Grand Jury.)

A Middlesex County Grand Jury has handed down an nine-count indictment against a 25-year-old Lowell man in connection with a brutal assault on his girlfriend in a room at the in May.

Hector Rivera is being charged with attempted murder, four counts of assault and battery, two counts of malicious destruction of property over $250, intimidation of a witness, and violation of an abuse prevention order.

The announcement was made in a press release by the Office of District Attorney Gerry Leone. The ADA assigned to the case is Lisa McGovern.

The indictment stems from an incident which took place May 24. According to ,officers responded to the after receiving a 911 call from a desk clerk. The employee told the officers he had heard screaming and crying coming from Room 252.

The officers reported that the victim's eye was bruised and inflamed and there were red marks on her neck, consistent with having been choked.

The victim told the officers that her boyfriend, whom she identified as  Rivera, had hit her and choked her until she could no longer breathe.

She later told the officers that Rivera mocked her as he choked her on the bed, saying, "sucks you can't breathe, huh."

Rivera allegedly slipped out a bathroom window when he heard officers arrive and was captured after a search of the area.

Rivera is presently being held without bail at the Middlesex County Jail.

Lowell duo charged with drug offenses

The Grand Jury handed down indictments against a man and a woman, both from Lowell, stemming from a drug arrest in the spring.

Miguel Franco, 43, was charged with distribution of cocaine, subsequent offense, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, drug violation near a school/park (2 counts) and conspiracy to violate drug law (2 counts). Franco was also charged with failure to appear.

Christie Sanchez, 35, was charged with possession with intent to distribute a Class A drug, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, drug violation near a school/park (2 counts), and conspiracy to violate drug law (2 counts).

The ADA handling their cases is Tejal Mehta.