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Three Charged with Intimidation of a Witness in Connection with Ongoing Investigation into Lowell Murder

Posted on: June 29, 2020 - 11:00am


LOWELL – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Lowell Police Superintendent Kelly Richardson have confirmed that the investigation into the homicide of Deija Mendez remains active and authorities continue to seek Xavier DeJesus who has been charged with murder.  As a result of the ongoing investigation, Angel Garcia, 29 of Lowell has been charged with intimidation of a witness, Devine McKinney, 21 of Lowell has been charged with intimidation of a witness and accessory after the fact to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and Selena Simonphone, 22, of Lowell has been charged with intimidation of a witness and accessory after the fact to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The suspects have been charged in connection with allegedly lying to police during the ongoing investigation into the murder of Deija Mendez that occurred on June 23, 2020, in Lowell.  McKinney and Simonphone have also been charged in connection with allegedly assisting Xavier DeJesus in evading police after the murder.

All three will be arraigned today virtually in Lowell District Court.

Police continue to actively search for Xavier DeJesus, 20, of Lowell after a warrant was issued for his arrest last week for murder. DeJesus is described as being approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing about 140 pounds. The public should not attempt to approach him and should dial 911 or contact Lowell Police at 978-459-8477  immediately with any information.

The preliminary investigation suggests that on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Xavier DeJesus allegedly shot Deija Mendez, 23, of Boston outside a residence on Coral Street in Lowell while she was seated in the driver’s seat of a black Chevrolet Tahoe. Upon arrival at the scene, Lowell Police located Ms. Mendez suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Ms. Mendez was pronounced dead on the scene. 

DeJesus has been charged with murder, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, carrying a firearm without a license and possession of ammunition without an FID card in connection with the fatal shooting.  

The preliminary investigation suggests that DeJesus may have been known to the victim and that there was allegedly a dispute over the possession of a motor vehicle prior to the fatal shooting.