Homicide suspect with ties to Springfield area added to Massachusetts Most Wanted list

LAWRENCE, Mass. (WWLP) – A 27-year-old man wanted for a deadly shooting at a nightclub in Lawrence on Christmas Eve last year has been added to the Massachusetts Most Wanted list.

Franklin M. Laras , 27, is the alleged suspect in the murder of Edward Javier-Perez at the Energy Lounge in Lawrence on December 24, 2023. Laras is 5’7″ in height, weighs 200 pounds, has brown hair, brown eyes and is heavily tattooed on both arms and torso. Noticeable tattoos include “495” on his left shoulder and “1838” on the bottom of his neck.

State Police say Laras has ties to the areas of Lawrence, Springfield and Palmer.

Police were called to the Energy Lounge at 459 Broadway in Lawrence for reports of gunfire on Sunday, December 24, 2023. Police found a gunshot victim, Javier-Perez, who was taken to a nearby hospital but died from his injuries. Laras was later identified as the alleged shooter.

Evidence suggests that Laras and Javier-Perez had an altercation at the club when Laras drew a handgun and shot Javier-Perez at close range. The firearm was never recovered.

Laras is wanted for murder and two counts of firearms violations. He has previously been convicted of crimes involving drugs and violence.

Laras should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. If you have any information on his whereabouts, you are asked to call 911 or the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section at 1-800-KAPTURE (1-800-527-8873).

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