A juvenile has been arrested in connection with the gruesome death of a 16-year-old Lawrence boy whose mangled body was found decapitated with his arms cut off on the banks of the Merrimack River, a DA spokeswoman says.

Essex District Attorney spokeswoman Carrie Kimball-Monahan confirmed the arrest this afternoon, shortly after the heartbroken family of Lee Manuel Viloria-Paulino held a tear-filled press conference outside of their Lawrence home to discuss the investigation.

Paulino’s body was found by a woman walking her dog along the riverbank Thursday afternoon near McCabe Court, police said. The Lawrence High School sophomore was found headless with his arms cut off near the elbows. His head was found close by.

Also read: Teen's gruesome murder shakes Lawrence to the core

District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett is expected to provide details on the arrest during a press conference this afternoon outside of Lawrence District Court, Monahan said.

Developing…