Arrest made for murder of 18-year-old in East Boston

BOSTON — An arrest has been made in the murder of a 18-year-old found dead in an East Boston garage last month.

Police said the woman found dead was Blanca Lainez. Construction workers found her clothed, bloodied and beaten body in the East Boston garage behind the unoccupied building they are renovating on Princeton Street.

Boston police said 16-year-old Jose Hernandez has been charged with murder.

"This arrest is evidence of our commitment to justice for the victims and survivors of homicide," Commissioner Evans said. "I want to commend the efforts of my detectives and all those who worked tirelessly during this investigation.  I pray that this arrest brings some level of comfort to the family.”

Lainez's roommate told FOX25 she was a native of El Salvador, had attended East Boston High and lived most recently in Chelsea.

Hernandez, of East Boston, is expected to be arraigned on a murder charge tomorrow in East Boston Municipal Court, authorities said.

Editor's note: Police originally said Blanca Lainez was 19. We have since learned she was days away from turning turning 19 and was still 18 years old. 

Cox Media Group