18-year-old man charged with murder following fatal Chelsea stabbing

An 18-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with Thursday night’s stabbing attack in Chelsea.

Sergio Castellanos was arraigned in Chelsea District Court Friday, accused of stabbing and killing Eduardo Lopez, 25, of Chelsea. He pleaded not guilty.

Castellanos was allowed to stand behind a wall and conceal his face during the hearing, to the outrage of the victim’s family. Tensions were high in the courtroom, as the victim’s family members had to be escorted out by Chelsea police when the arraignment concluded.

Police said they received a call at approximately 6:45 p.m. for a stabbing in the area of Chestnut Street and Everett Avenue. When officers arrived, they said they found multiple stabbing victims. All were treated at the scene before being taken to the hospital.

The Suffolk County District Attorney confirmed that Lopez died following surgery after sustaining multiple stab wounds.

The victim’s family said Lopez had just cashed a check when he was attacked by five people, including Castellanos. Prosecutors said investigators recovered a bloody machete and bloody clothing that connected Castellanos to the crime scene, which spanned several blocks.

Jose Mancia, who prosecutors say is connected to the case, also appeared in court Friday.

Castellanos is being held without bail and is due back in court in April. His parents had no comment outside court.

Police said there may be more arrests in this case as they continue their investigation.