THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS MIDDLESEX DISTRICT ATTORNEY

LOWELL – Two men were arraigned today in Lowell District Court for their alleged role in the July 7 murder of Quintin Koehler, 22, of Billerica, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today.

Jason Estabrook, 28, of Lynn, was arraigned on charges of murder, home invasion, and attempted armed robbery.  Gabriel Arias, 20, of Lynn, was arraigned on charges of misleading a criminal proceeding.  Lowell District Court Judge Thomas Brennan ordered Estabrook held without bail.  Judge Brennan ordered Arias held on $20,000 cash bail.  Arias was also held on a probation warrant from a case out of Lynn.

The next court date for both defendants is October 26 for a pre-trial hearing.

According to authorities, on July 7 at approximately 3:55 a.m. Billerica Police responded to795 Boston Roadfor a report of a shooting.  Officers discovered the victim, Quintin 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 September 26 inBostonwith the assistance of the Boston Police Department.  Arias was arrested September 26 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.