PEABODY – Today in Peabody District Court, John Kosta, 53, of Middleton, Mass. was arraigned for the murder of Timothy O’Neil of Lynnfield, who was 55 at the time of his death, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker and Lynnfield Police Chief Nick Secatore have announced. Kosta was taken into custody early this morning by Massachusetts State Police (MSP) detectives assigned to Tucker’s office with assistance from the MSP Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS), Lynnfield Police, and the United States Marshals Service. In court before the Hon. Jean M. Curran, Kosta pled not guilty to the murder charge and was held without bail.
On May 9, Lynnfield Police responded to a 911 call at approximately 8:30 p.m. and found O’Neil in his home with apparent trauma. O’Neil was pronounced deceased on the scene.
In Peabody District Court today, Assistant District Attorney Erin Bellavia handled the arraignment on behalf of the Commonwealth. The defendant was represented by attorney Patrick Hakes. Kosta is scheduled to return to court for a probable cause hearing on August 27 via Zoom.
