Teens From Salem NH, Mass. Charged After Triple Shooting In Methuen

METHUEN, MA — Ten days after a triple shooting in Methuen, Massachusetts, police have arrested three teenagers from two states on a slew of charges.

Around 1 a.m. on Oct. 21, police were sent to Boston Street for a report of shots fired with injuries. Police, when they arrived, found a man, 18, and a boy, 17, with multiple gunshot wounds. Both were treated at the scene and taken to the hospital. Another boy, 16, self-transported himself to the hospital with a gunshot wound.

The 17-year-old remains in a trauma center in critical condition while the other two victims were treated and released.

K-9 units from Methuen and Mass. State Police responded and searched the area. One gun was recovered in the area of Swan Street. A search warrant was issued to a home on Boston Street, and a second firearm was found, according to a report.

“Through the coordinated efforts of Methuen Police Patrol Officers, Massachusetts State Police, and Methuen police detectives working under the leadership of Sgt. Nicholas Conway, the investigation yielded crucial evidence across multiple locations,” Scott McNamara, the police chief in Methuen, said. “Items recovered included two firearms — one being an untraceable 9mm ‘ghost gun’ — ammunition casings, and personal items.”

The investigation also identified three suspects: Jayden Moreno, 18, of Methuen, Reggie Wells, 18, of Salem, NH, and a 16-year-old, from an unknown community. They were all arrested on Thursday. Moreno was charged with armed assault to murder, carrying a firearm without a license, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, possession of ammunition without a FID card, possession of a firearm while committing a felony, and disturbing the peace. Wells was charged with three counts of armed assault to murder, carrying a firearm without a license, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, carrying a dangerous weapon, possession of ammunition without a FID card, and possession of a firearm while committing a felony. The third teen faces three counts of armed assault to murder, carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, and three counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

McNamara and the department thanked several agencies for assisting with the case.

They included the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police, New Hampshire State Police, the Greenville NH Police Department, Lawrence Police Department, Amesbury Police Department, Watertown Police Department, Massachusetts Environmental Police, Lynnfield Police Department, and the Department of Youth Services. McNamara also singled out the work of Detective Lt. Joseph Rynne, Conway, and Detectives Mathew St. Jean, William Kannan, Lawrence May, Charles DeJesus, Robert Cubelli, and Tracy Noonan, who demonstrated exceptional dedication and collaboration throughout this complex investigation, a report stated.

“This case underscores our department's commitment to addressing violence in our community,” McNamara said. “The tireless work of our officers, along with the support of our local and regional partners, exemplifies the strength of collective efforts in ensuring public safety.”

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