Lynn man charged in kidnapping, murder of older sister

Crime

Joshua Smith, 30, pleaded not guilty to murder and kidnapping charges in court Monday, according to reports.

A man arrested in Lynn over the weekend is accused of murdering his 38-year-old sister, according to reports.

Joshua Smith, 30, pleaded not guilty to murder and kidnapping charges in Lynn District Court in connection with the death of Michelle Knox, The Boston Globe reported from court. Prosecutors allege he made “numerous” statements outside the apartment about killing Knox, per the Globe.

Police responded to an apartment on Newhall Street before 1 a.m. Sunday, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said Sunday. 

No details were released about the allegations against Smith. A spokesperson for the DA said the judge impounded the case, which means records related to the case are not available to the public, and declined to comment further.

Smith has faced previously multiple charges, including pleading guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in July in district court. He was acquitted of armed assault to murder, mayhem, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in 2020, Essex Superior Court records show.

Molly Farrar is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on education, politics, crime, and more.