Lynn, MA – Joshua Smith, 31, has been charged with the murder of his sister, Michelle Knox, 38, after authorities say he made incriminating statements outside a family apartment early Sunday morning. The case, described by officials as “very sad,” has left neighbors shaken after reports of what some called “horrific screams” at the scene.
The Essex County District Attorney’s Office announced the charge on Sunday; Smith was arraigned Monday in Lynn District Court and is being held without bail pending a probable cause hearing set for Oct. 14. The investigation remains active and involves multiple state and local agencies.
The Scene and Neighbor Accounts
Police were called to a residence on Newhall Street in Lynn at about 1 a.m. on Sunday. When officers arrived, they discovered a deceased woman later identified as Michelle Knox. Neighbors described the disturbance and expressed shock.
- Location: Newhall Street apartment, Lynn, approximately 15 miles north of Boston.
- Time: ~1 a.m., Sunday.
- Neighbor reports: Accounts of loud screams indicating a violent incident.
- Relationship: Reported to be the suspect’s half-sister; the suspect shared the apartment with his father.
Police Arrival and Incriminating Statements
According to prosecutors, officers were met outside the residence by Joshua Smith, who allegedly made numerous statements admitting to killing his sister. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office says those statements were central to the immediate case being brought against him.
“Upon their arrival, they found the defendant, Joshua Smith, outside of the residence, making numerous inculpatory statements about killing his sister,” said prosecutor Stefanie Stanbro in court on Monday.
Legal Proceedings and Defendant Background
Smith was arraigned in Lynn District Court on charges that include kidnapping and murder. Video from local media showed Smith appearing stoic in court as prosecutors outlined their version of events. He pleaded not guilty on Monday.
- Charges: Murder and kidnapping (as announced by prosecutors).
- Prior record: Smith was reportedly out on probation after pleading guilty in July to two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
- Court status: Held without bail; probable cause hearing scheduled for Oct. 14.
Community Reaction and Official Response
Neighbors and community members described shock and sadness following the incident. Officials stressed the difficulty of the case for everyone involved, including the victim’s family and the defendant’s legal team.
“Every one of these cases is a difficult situation. No matter whether someone is guilty or not guilty, it’s still … we have an individual who’s passed away and it’s very, very sad — not just someone is gone, it also impacts their family,” said defense attorney Michael Phelan.
Investigating agencies include the Lynn Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit, and the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
What Happens Next?
Authorities will continue the investigation while prosecutors prepare for the upcoming probable cause hearing. Key next steps include forensic examination results from the medical examiner, witness interviews, and pretrial motions from the defense and prosecution.
- Probable cause hearing: Oct. 14 — determines whether charges proceed to trial.
- Medical Examiner: Completion of cause-of-death findings will be pivotal.
- Prosecution: Will present evidence and statements made at the scene.
- Defense: May contest admissibility of statements or present alternative narratives.
Key facts recap:
- Victim: Michelle Knox, 38.
- Suspect: Joshua Smith, 31, charged with murder and kidnapping.
- Location: Newhall Street, Lynn, MA.
- Hearing date: Oct. 14.
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