Melissa Janvier Pablo, a 32-year-old Haitian-American, was cowardly murdered by her husband, Luckenson King Pablo, on the morning of Friday December 6.
The shooting occurred shortly before 9:30 a.m. as Melissa was on her way to work, near a crosswalk next to the TownePlace Suites hotel on Marginal Street in Chelsea, a town in Suffolk County east of Boston.
Melissa had separated from her husband due to a history of domestic violence.
According to people close to the victim, Melissa had already sought help from the authorities on several occasions, calling the police to report her husband’s violent behavior. After several incidents of domestic violence, Melissa had decided to leave the house to avoid the brutality of the man who would eventually end her life this weekend.
Witnesses to the scene recounted the harrowing moments leading up to her death. Prosecutor Kevin Hayden confirmed: “A woman in her thirties was transported to Mass. General Hospital and unfortunately did not survive. The investigation is actively continuing.”
Images of the crime scene revealed evidence markers, yellow tape and a pair of shoes left on the median near where Melissa was shot.
Following the incident, authorities launched a swift investigation.
Luckenson King Pablo was apprehended a few hours later in an apartment building on 2nd Street in Everett.
The operation, conducted by Chelsea Police, Massachusetts State Police and Everett Police, resulted in the evacuation of residents and the temporary closure of the street.
“This was a swift investigation involving the State Police and Chelsea Police, with invaluable assistance from the Everett Police. I thank them all for their hard work in bringing Mr. Pablo to justice for this brutal crime,” said District Attorney Hayden.
Luckenson King Pablo is now charged with first-degree murder.
Some people who knew Melissa describe her as kind, respectful and always ready to help others.