Modesta Gomez allegedly struck her aunt as she attempted to break up a fight during a Methuen house party on Sunday. (File photograph)
A 23-year-old Lawrence woman stands accused of assaulting her 63-year-old woman after a “family dispute” on social media turned deadly at a Methuen house party Sunday.
Appearing in Lawrence District Court Monday, Modesta Gomez faced Judge Ernest Sarason to answer to two counts of assault and battery, assault and battery on a person over 60 and battery with a dangerous weapon, the Essex County District Attorney’s office told WHAV.
As WHAV previously reported, Methuen Police were called to 21 Bicknell Ave., to break up a fight and found Martina Gomez—Modesta’s aunt—in the backseat of a car with family members attempting to drive her to the hospital. First responders provided aid until an ambulance transported her to Lawrence General Hospital, where she later died.
A police report entered into the court record Monday said Modesta Gomez allegedly drove to Methuen from Lawrence after a family dispute broke out on social media. Modesta Gomez allegedly assaulted her cousin and her aunt, Martina Gomez, attempted to break up the fight before allegedly being struck by her niece.
An autopsy is being performed on Martina Gomez to determine her cause of death, the DA’s office said.
Represented at arraignment by Attorney Ronald Ranta, Modesta Gomez was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Friday.