For Immediate Release March 3, 2008                                        
Contact: Corey Welford/Jessica Venezia 617-679-6522

Everett Man Ordered Held Without Bail In Connection With Alleged Murder Of His Former Girlfriend

MALDEN – Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today that an Everett man has been ordered held without bail in connection with the alleged murder of his former girlfriend, Norma Gilles, 41, of Lynn.

Lesly Cheremond, 48, of Everett, was arraigned in Malden District Court on a charge of first degree murder. Cheremond entered a plea of not guilty and District Court Judge Matthew Nestor ordered him held without bail.

According to authorities, Gilles had last been seen on February 13 at a hair salon where she worked at 374 Salem Street in Malden. A missing persons report was filed by her brother on February 23 with Lynn Police. Malden Police discovered Gilles’ car on February 27 on Faulkner Street in Malden and subsequently towed the car to the Police Department. Malden Police notified State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, and a joint investigation was immediately commenced. Gilles’ body was found in the trunk of her car.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (ME) completed an autopsy on February 29 and ruled the victim’s death a homicide caused by asphyxia due to smothering and compression of the neck. Malden Police, Everett Police, and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office arrested Cheremond at approximately 5:15 p.m. on February 29 outside of his apartment at 30 Stuart Street in Everett.

Cheremond worked in an adjacent business to the hair salon that Gilles was employed. Gilles had a prior restraining order against Cheremond resulting from a pending case in which he is charged with the alleged assault of Gilles in February 2007. Cheremond and Gilles had an argument on the day before she was last seen. Several hours after Gilles was last seen leaving the store, Cheremond came into Gilles’ salon and told a worker that he was taking Gilles’ handbag to her.

Inside Cheremond’s store, investigators found a key to Gilles’ car as well as trash bags that matched the type of bags that Gilles’ body was found wrapped in.  Cheremond has also given inconsistent statements to friends and authorities during the weeks she was missing, including that she was on vacation, that she had left in a UHaul truck, and that she may not be back.

These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Keeley. The victim witness advocate is Anne Foley.

###