Lowell Man Charged In Fatal Dracut Shooting Held Without Bail

DRACUT (CBS) -- A Lowell man arrested in connection with a fatal Sunday morning shooting in Dracut was arraigned Monday afternoon in Lowell District Court.

DaVanni Curran, 22, is charged with murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a loaded firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. He was ordered held without bail Monday. His bail was revoked due to prior convictions.

Police found the victim, identified Monday as 31-year-old Trevor Washington of Dracut, shot in the chest outside a house on Methuen Street around 4:30 a.m. Sunday. He was taken to Lowell General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Middlesex DA's office and the Dracut Police Department said in a release that Washington was shot during a party at the home, where prosecutors also say Curran's girlfriend lived. They said about 50 people were at the party, and that a verbal altercation between Washington and Curran spilled outside.

"As a result, 31-year-old Trevor Washington lost his life," said Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan in the statement. "Due to the diligent efforts of the Massachusetts State Police and Dracut Police Department, along with the Lowell Police Department who helped to locate the suspect, the defendant was apprehended quickly and was arraigned this afternoon for his alleged violent actions."

Curran's attorney, Stan Norkunas, says Curran has denied shooting anyone--but added that whoever did might have a self-defense case, and that he believes Washington may have been armed.

"It does appear though, however, Mr. Washington may have been shot, there could be a self-defense incident relative to that," said Norkunas. "It appears that when he stepped outside, whoever he stepped outside with, there was an indication that there was a statement made relative to 'pieces,' therefore, guns."

Washington's family members were present in court Monday for Curran's arraignment.

Dracut and State Police are investigating the shooting. Lowell Police assisted with the investigation.

"I commend the detectives of the Dracut Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police assigned to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan's office," Dracut Police Chief Kevin Richardson said in a statement released by the Middlesex DA's office. "Because of their hard work and the partnership of our agencies, a dangerous felon was captured in less than 24 hours."

Curran has a number of previous arrests, including assault and battery on a police officer. He is due back in court July 19.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports

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