SALEM, Mass. —

Federal and local authorities brought a murder suspect from the Dominican Republic to Massachusetts, where he faced charges in court on Monday.

Jose Luis Sanchez, 27, made his first court appearance for an arraignment in connection with the murder of Luis Mendez in Lawrence.

Mendez, who was 38 at the time, was fatally shot during a house party in the basement of 210 Market Street in Lawrence on April 25, 2022.

In court, Sanchez entered a plea of not guilty and was ordered held without bail.

According to Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker's office, Sanchez was brought back to Massachusetts by the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Marshals Service, the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, Essex County Sheriff's Office and the Lawrence

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