Jeffrey Tapia sentenced to life in prison for 2017 Lawrence shooting that left Jensey Hernandez dead and his brother permanently injured

Jeffrey Tapia was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Wednesday in connection with a 2017 shooting at a house party in Lawrence that left one man dead and another permanently injured.

A jury found Tapia, 28, of Boston guilty of first-degree murder, armed assault with intent to murder and unlawful possession of a firearm Wednesday morning.

Judge Helene Kazanjian sentenced Tapia to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder and imposed concurrent sentences of 15 to 20 years for the assault and 4 to 5 years for unlawful possession.

“This was a senseless killing that a robbed a family of a beloved son, grandson and brother and has left two children fatherless,” Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett said. “Nothing we do can restore what the Hernandez family has lost, but I hope with this verdict and sentence, they are able to find some peace.”

Tapia shot brothers Jensey and Javier Hernandez during an altercation outside of the party at 234 Bailey St. in Lawrence on July 30, 2017, according to the Essex District Attorney’s Office.

Prior to the shooting, Javier argued with one of Tapia’s associates, the DA’s office said.

Jensey was taken to Lawrence General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Javier, now 31, lost permanent function of his right arm following the shooting.

Video footage showed the shooting and the preceding altercation, according to the DA’s office. Additional evidence presented at Tapia’s 5-day trial included an empty holster and nine millimeter shell casing which was consistent with the weapon used in the shooting, the DA’s office said.

Essex Assistant District Attorney AJ Carmelio prosecuted the case and requested the maximum sentence.

“But for the timely intervention of his friends, Javier likely would have died like his brother, Carmelio said. “He has dealt with this devastating loss of his brother and his own loss of function of his arm with dignity and grace. Nothing I say can bring his brother back.”

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