Chelsea Man Pleads Not Guilty to Massachusetts Murder Charge in Deadly Brawl

In Lynn District Court, Fernando Aristy, a 24-year-old Chelsea man, has pleaded not guilty to the charges of Massachusetts murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and assault to murder. Aristy is accused of injuring 34-year-old Peabody resident Chad McDonald so severely during a fight earlier this month that the latter never recovered.

However, according to Aristy’s Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer, the Chelsea man had been acting in self-defense. Witnesses have reported at one point during the dispute seeing McDonald pull out a screwdriver that they mistook as a knife. They also say that he started the fight.

Aristy and McDonald had reportedly argued a week before the deadly brawl about a parking disagreement. During the fight, Aristy allegedly struck McDonald with a 2-by-4 piece of wood and then later fled the scene.

According to The Salem News, following the fight McDonald seemed unaware that he had sustained severe head injuries. He returned to the business where he worked and was living temporarily. A friend came to check on him after he failed to show up for a yard sale and that was when he was transported to the hospital.

Aristy turned himself over to Lynn police earlier this week.

Man held in death of a local father, 34, Salem News, October 27, 2010
Lynn man pleads not guilty to murder charge after fight, Boston.com, October 27, 2010

Related Web Resource:
General Laws of Massachusetts – Chapter 265 Crimes Against the Person, Onecle
Massachusetts Murder
A conviction for murder comes with serious life-altering consequences. You must be represented by an experienced Boston homicide defense law firm that knows how to secure the best outcome possible for your criminal case. There may be reasons why the criminal charges against you should be reduced or dropped. It is also important that you have someone on your side that will not only defend you but who will also protect your legal rights.

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