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Woman, 63, dies after breaking up family fight; 23-year-old niece charged

METHUEN, Mass. — A 23-year-old woman was held without bail, accused of assaulting two women during a “family fight” that resulted in her 63-year-old aunt dying.

The Essex District Attorney’s Office said Methuen Police responded to a house on Bicknell Avenue late Sunday for reports of a family fight and an unresponsive woman.

Police found 63-year-old Martina Gomez in “medical distress” in the back seat of a car as family members tried to drive her to the hospital, according to the Essex DA’s office.

The DA says Modesta Gomez allegedly drove to the Methuen home from Lawrence due to a family dispute on social media. As she allegedly assaulted her cousin, her aunt Martina Gomez was struck while trying to break up the fight. She was transported to Lawrence General Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Modesta Gomez, 23, is charged with two counts of assault and battery on a person over 60 and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The identity of the second person who was assaulted has not been released.

Autopsy results are pending to determine the cause of death.

Modesta Gomez was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Friday. A plea of not guilty was entered on her behalf.

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