A Chelsea resident faced indictment Wednesday, March 18, in connection with the 2014 murder of 29-year-old Javier Ortiz and a non-fatal shooting incident from the previous year.
Hector Enamorado, 36, was charged by a Suffolk County grand jury with first-degree murder, armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Since his arrest days after the December 14 shooting, Enamorado has remained in custody without bail. The grand jury indictments transferred the case from Chelsea District Court to Suffolk Superior Court for trial.
On December 14 at approximately 3:05 a.m., Chelsea Police responded to reports of a shooting on Chester Avenue. Officers found a 34-year-old man outside the address with a gunshot wound to the chest. Following his directions, they discovered Ortiz inside an apartment suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital, where Ortiz succumbed to his injuries.
Chelsea Police detectives and Suffolk County State Police Detective Unit members collected evidence and statements from witnesses at the scene. A warrant for Enamorado’s arrest was sought that same day, and he was apprehended on December 16.
Assistant District Attorney Amy Galatis of the DA’s Homicide Unit oversaw the grand jury proceedings. James Cipoletta serves as Enamorado’s attorney. No Superior Court arraignment date has been scheduled.
A Saturday night shooting on Cottage Street prompted a police investigation beginning March 14 at approximately 11 p.m. Officers discovered a male victim seated on the porch at 58 Cottage St. with a gunshot wound to the right leg below the knee. The conscious victim reported being shot while walking on Cottage Street. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment. Chelsea Detectives continue investigating. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Chelsea Police at 617-466-4800.
A coordinated raid on Friday, March 13, resulted in the seizure of approximately $100,000 in stolen merchandise and $10,000 in cash from an apartment at 140 Chestnut St. in Peabody, according to Peabody Police. The residential unit had been converted to resemble a retail storefront where prospective buyers could examine alleged stolen goods.
Organized retail shoplifting rings utilize boosters who steal specified merchandise from local retailers for resale through various channels, including online platforms and international shipments. The recovered items consisted primarily of clothing and perfume. According to police reports, retail losses from such criminal organizations nationally exceed $30 billion annually. The operation involved officers from Peabody, Chelsea and Revere Police Departments, along with representatives from Northshore Mall, Homeland Security, and loss prevention personnel from Sephora, Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister. A comprehensive Organized Retail Shoplifting Ring investigation led by Peabody Police culminated in this search warrant execution.
Three individuals were arrested and custody by the Chelsea Police Department: Miguel Lopez, 32; Pedro Vasquez, 48; and Juventina Ramirez, 50; all residing at 140 Chestnut St. #3 in Chelsea.