Suspect named in shooting of Salem man

Recent photo of Yahia Mastouri

SALEM — A Malden man is being sought in connection with the fatal shooting Saturday of a Salem man. 

Police are now asking for the public's help in finding Yahia Mastouri, 18, who is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, illegal possession of a firearm and assault with intent to rob, the Middlesex District Attorney announced Tuesday. 

Jeury Batista, 23, a Salem High graduate who attended North Shore Community College, was shot during what police are saying was a drug transaction and not a random act of violence. 

Police and prosecutors say the investigation is ongoing. 

A wake is being held for Batista Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the O'Donnell Funeral Home, 46 Washington Square, Salem. His funeral will be held on Thursday morning at the Immaculate Conception Church on Hawthorne Boulevard. 

Mastouri is approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and was last seen in Malden on the night of the shooting, which occurred near the Bowdoin Apartments, on the eastern end of the city near Route 99. 

Anyone with information is being urged to contact state police at 508-820-2121 or Malden police at 781-322-1212 immediately.

Tips may also be submitted anonymously online at www.maldenpd.com. The public should not attempt to approach Mastouri.

Courts reporter Julie Manganis can be reached at 978-338-2521, by email at jmanganis@salemnews.com or on Twitter at @SNJulieManganis. 

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