A 19-year old Beverly man was arraigned today in Salem District Court for murder in connection with the shooting death of Christian Merced, 21 of Miami, Florida. Justice Galarza was ordered held without bail by Judge Robert Brennan. Galarza was also charged with carrying a firearm without an FID card and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling.
At approximately 10:30 pm on Saturday, April 9th, Beverly Police responded to a report of shots fired at 5-7 Ropes Street. The victim was taken by ambulance to Beverly Hospital where he was pronounced dead from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest.
The victim was visiting family members in the area.
The defendant initially fled the scene and later turned himself in to Salem Police.
Essex Assistant District Attorney Christina Ronan represented the Commonwealth. Attorney Michael Phelan represented the defendant, who is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The case is scheduled for a probable cause hearing on May 10, 2016.
From:
Carrie Kimball Monahan
Director of Communications
Essex District Attorney’s Office
