THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS MIDDLESEX DISTRICT ATTORNEY

WOBURN – Two men were arrested today for their alleged role in the July 7 murder of Quinton Koehler, 22, of Billerica, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone and Billerica Police Chief Daniel Rosa announced today.

Jason Estabrook, 28, of Lynn, was arrested this evening on charges of murder, home invasion, and attempted armed robbery.

Gabriel Arias, 20, of Lynn, was arrested this evening on charges of misleading a criminal proceeding.

Estabrook and Arias will be arraigned Thursday, September 27 in Lowell District Court.

“We allege this defendant, Jason Estabrook, acting in a joint venture with others, brutally murdered Quinton Koehler in his own home during the course of an armed robbery attempt,” District Attorney Leone said.  “We allege the second defendant, Gabriel Arias, provided false statements to the police.  In order to protect our communities by successfully investigating and prosecuting instances of gun violence, this office will not tolerate those who impede our efforts for justice.  We hope this sends a strong message that those who are involved in, or witness to, gun or gang violence will not obstruct justice and are compelled to tell the truth under oath.  Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family.”

According to authorities, on July 7 at approximately 3:55 a.m. Billerica Police responded to 795 Boston Road for a report of a shooting.  Officers discovered the victim, Quinton Koehler, evidencing a gunshot wound.  The victim was transported to Lahey Clinic where he was found dead.  The Office of Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be a gunshot wound to the head and the manner of death to be homicide.

Billerica Police and State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office immediately launched an investigation.

It is alleged that Estabrook and others broke into the victim’s home in the morning of July 7 with intent to rob the victim.  Authorities believe the home was targeted because the defendant believed marijuana and money would be present at the home.  The victim and a witness heard the defendant and others in the home and discovered Estabrook and the other intruders in the kitchen where an assault ensued.  It is alleged that the gunshots were fired, hitting the victim in the head.  The suspects then fled the scene.

Authorities allege that Arias misled investigators during the investigation by providing false information to the police.

These charges are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Estabrook was arrested this evening in Boston with the assistance of the Boston Police Department.  Arias was arrested in Lynn with assistance from the Lynn Police Department and the Essex District Attorney CPAC Unit.

The Assistant District Attorney assigned to the case is Cara Krysil.  The Victim Witness Advocate is Kathleen Keefe.