PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Sean Chandler is arraigned on murder and firearm-related charges in Lynn District Court on Wednesday morning.
By GAYLA CAWLEY
LYNN — A Gloucester man was arraigned in Lynn District Court on Wednesday on a murder charge for last Friday’s fatal shooting of Donald Yancy.
Sean Chandler, 29, pleaded not guilty to murder and other firearm-related charges and was held without bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 14 for a probable cause hearing.
His attorney, John Andrews, said he had no comment.
Chandler was arrested Tuesday night at 631 Eastern Ave., Apt. 13, in Lynn. Lynn Police, State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS), State Police Special Tactical Operations (STOP) and State Police from the Essex County District Attorney’s office worked together throughout the week to find the suspect. He was taken into custody without incident, according to the DA’s office.
Lynn Police Lt. Rick Donnelly said when police went to execute the warrant for murder at the Eastern Avenue apartment at about 9:35 p.m., Chandler opened the door for them and was immediately arrested. The suspect was found to be in possession of a 9mm handgun, which was tucked into his waistband, Donnelly added.
After police found the gun, Chandler was subsequently charged with carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license and firearm violation with two prior violent crimes or serious drug offenses.
Lynn Police responded to 6 Breed Square, Apt. 1, at approximately 10:15 p.m. last Friday and found Yancy, 38, with a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim and suspect were well known to each other and witnesses reported the pair had a disagreement immediately prior to the shooting, according to the DA.
Following the shooting, an arrest warrant was issued for Chandler. Donnelly said the investigation is still ongoing.
Gayla Cawley can be reached at gcawley@itemlive.com. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley.