METHUEN, Mass. — The Essex County DA’s Office has identified 22-year-old Ewdy Lopez as the victim of Thursday morning’s fatal shooting on Kimball Road.
Authorities say the shooting took place shortly before 5:24 a.m. on Thursday.
First responders found the victim behind the wheel of an SUV that had crashed into a neighbor’s backyard fence.
Emergency crews transported Lopez to Lawrence General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Ewdy Lopez lived on Kimball Road.
One neighbor said it appeared he was shot in his vehicle. After the shooting, Lopez’s SUV crossed the street, struck a neighbor’s house and then crashed through the fence.
In a statement, the District Attorney’s Office said it appears the fatal shooting was not random.
A neighbor who identified himself as Greg agreed. “He (Lopez) usually comes out around 530 to go to work,” Greg said. “He had to come out to get in his car and someone to me, it looks like someone was waiting for him.”
As State Police investigators worked the scene, gathering evidence, mourners gathered at the home of Edwy Lopez offering condolence to his family.
The shooting clearly left neighbors here stunned. “This is always such a safe neighborhood. My great grandfather built all these houses around here. Unnerving for sure,” said one neighbor.
“This remains an active investigation which is being conducted by the Essex District Attorney’s Office, Methuen Police Detectives and the Essex State Police Detective Unit. Investigators believe this is not a random act of violence and that there is no ongoing threat to public safety,” said the district attorney’s office.
No arrests have been made.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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