Dominican Migrant Charged With Brutal Murder of Beloved Sandwich Shop Owner
February 10, 2025
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An illegal immigrant from the Dominican Republic appeared in court on Thursday, accused of killing a Massachusetts sandwich shop owner during a home break-in.
On Monday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced it had lodged an immigration detainer against 25-year-old Eric Dionida German-Pena as he had entered the country illegally in September 2022.
The Context
President Donald Trump was elected after a campaign heavily focused on illegal immigration and the promise of deporting upwards of 11 million people without legal status in the U.S. The policy has been shown to be popular among voters across the political spectrum, before and after the election.
A New York Times/Ipsos survey (January 2-10) found that 55 percent of voters back Trump’s mass deportation plan, while 88 percent support deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. Most Democrats and Republicans agree that the immigration system is broken.
Despite support for mass deportations, there have been concerns that those who have not committed any crimes will also be swept up in the effort.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers gather for a briefing before an enforcement operation on January 27 in Silver Spring, Maryland. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers gather for a briefing before an enforcement operation on January 27 in Silver Spring, Maryland. AP Photo/Alex Brandon
What To Know
Ilias Mavros, 48, was found by officers with the Lynn Police Department at around 6:30 p.m. on February 3. They were responding to a concern for welfare call after he failed to show up for work at his shop, Crazy Buzzy’s Roast Beef.
The Essex County district attorney’s office said in a press release that Mavros showed signs of trauma when officers arrived, and he was declared dead at the scene. Further details on the case remain sealed, following a court order Thursday.
Mavros, whose customers knew him as Lou, had opened the shop just four months ago, according to local media reports. His family said they will continue running the victim’s shop in his honor.
District Attorney Paul F. Tucker said German-Pena was arraigned on February 6 after being arrested the day prior. He is charged with Mavros’ murder and pled not guilty at the hearing at Lynn District Court.
ICE lodged its detainer after discovering he had entered the country illegally, meaning its officers should take custody once local law enforcement is finished with him.
The Boston area Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) office has been actively looking for illegal immigrant criminals over the past six months or so, seeking to get local sheriff’s offices and judges to notify its agents about potential releases.
When it comes to sanctuary states, local agencies do not have to notify federal authorities. This has led to multiple immigrants accused of serious crimes to be released back into the community.
What People Are Saying
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde, in a press release: “Eric Dionida German-Pena will have his day in court, but he stands accused of a very serious and disturbing crime against a member of our Massachusetts community. ICE Boston takes its public safety mission extremely seriously—which is why we’ve lodged an immigration detainer against him with Lynn police.”
Mavros’ family in a GoFundMe post: “Our hearts are heavy with the sudden loss of Louie, a true fighter and ambitious entrepreneur whose dreams were as big as his smile. Despite facing numerous challenges in life, he was on the verge of achieving his dream with Crazy Buzzy’s.”
What Happens Next
German-Pena is being held without bail and is next due in court on March 6.
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