Police seek suspect after Lowell man found dead

LOWELL — A 53-year-old man who prosecutors describe as “armed and dangerous” is wanted in connection with the alleged slaying of a Lowell man who died from blunt force injuries inside his Wilder Street home on Saturday.

Investigators have probable cause to believe that Anthony “Tony” Massetti is responsible for striking the 51-year-old victim during an altercation, according to a statement released by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan’s Office.

At around 5:10 p.m., Lowell Police responded to a 911 call from a Wilder Street home where they found the victim on the floor, suffering apparent trauma, according to the DA. The 51-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

The case was referred to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and on Sunday it was determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma and the manner of death was homicide, according to the DA.

Massetti is known to the victim and had been at the victim’s residence, according to the DA.

Police are asking for the public’s help with locating Massetti, who is believed to be homeless, but frequently in Lowell. He is also known to use a bicycle to get around, prosecutors said.

The District Attorney’s Office also stated Massetti is possibly in possession of one or more firearms.

“Given his possible access to firearms, the public should consider Massetti armed and dangerous,” said the DA’s office.

The 53-year-old has a tattoo of “TONY” on his right bicep, a logo of the music group The Rolling Stones on his right forearm, and a dragon on his left forearm, according to authorities.

The case remains under investigation by the District Attorney’s Office, Lowell Police and state police.

Authorities had Wilder Street closed off between B and D streets into the evening hours on Saturday as officials investigated the scene of the death.

On Sunday, neighbors in the area said they did not hear anything or notice signs of violence the night before. One resident on B Street said they were not familiar with the situation but heard “someone was killed.”

Members of the public with any information on Massetti’s whereabouts are asked to call Lowell Police at 978-937-3200 or the state police at 508-820-2121.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2nLPSjS