UPDATE: A 30-year-old man from Lynn has been charged with the kidnapping and murder of his 38-year-old sister, Michelle Knox. Joshua Smith was arrested following a police response to an apartment on Newhall Street shortly before 1 a.m. on Sunday, according to the Essex County District Attorney.
In a court appearance at the Lynn District Court, Smith pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutors claim he made “numerous” incriminating statements about the incident outside the apartment, as reported by The Boston Globe. The case details remain under wraps, with the judge impounding records, limiting public access to information.
Authorities have not disclosed specifics regarding the circumstances leading to Knox’s death. However, this shocking incident marks a grim chapter in Smith’s history. Earlier, he had faced multiple charges, including a guilty plea for assault with a dangerous weapon in July 2023. In 2020, he was acquitted of armed assault with intent to murder, mayhem, and assault and battery.
The implications of this case are profound, as community members grapple with the tragic loss and the reported familial violence. Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker stated that the investigation is ongoing, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations.
As this story develops, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. The community is left in shock, reflecting on the devastating impact of this incident. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
