For Immediate Release: January 30, 2008                                  
Contact: Corey Welford/Jessica Venezia 617-679-6522 (o)

Four Men Arrested And Arraigned In Connection With Lowell Stabbing

LOWELL – Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone and Lowell Police Superintendent Kenneth Lavallee informed the public today that four Lowell men have been arrested and arraigned on murder and armed robbery charges in connection with the death of Timothy Stairs, 43, of Lowell.

The four men, all from Lowell, were arrested early this morning by Lowell Police and State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. All four were arraigned in Lowell District Court, each on charges of murder and armed robbery.  The four men were: Alexis Garcia, 14; Matthew Cancel, 15; Pablo Roman, 16; and Jose Pedraza, 17.

All four pleaded not guilty at their arraignment this morning in Lowell District Court. Judge Cunis ordered them all held without bail.

“We alleged that these four men were involved in the robbery and fatal stabbing of Timothy Stairs,” District Attorney Leone said. “These arrests are made necessary to due to the continued trend of young people who are resorting to the use of weapons in committing serious violent crimes. The arrests are also the result of excellent investigative work and the continued cooperation between Lowell Police, the Massachusetts State Police and our office.”

According to authorities, at approximately 8:03 p.m. on January 11, Lowell Police responded to 147 Dalton Avenue for reports of an alleged stabbing. When officers arrived, they found the victim bleeding and suffering from apparent stab wounds.

The victim was transported to Lowell General Hospital and was pronounced dead at approximately 10:30 p.m.

Lowell Police and State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office commenced an immediate investigation into the circumstances of the stabbing. Based on that investigation, it is alleged that the four men were involved in the robbery and stabbing of Stairs on Fisher Street near Lakeview Avenue in Lowell.

The defendants’ next court date is scheduled for February 25 for a pretrial conference.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Marian Ryan.

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