Massachusetts Man Sentenced to Life for Killing Ex-Husband in 2024 Domestic Incident

Widmaer Lapaix convicted of second-degree murder for fatally shooting Maceo Martin during a confrontation at the victim's ex-wife's apartment.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:29pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent rifle shell casing, capturing the textural details and dramatic lighting to convey the serious, investigative nature of the crime.A single spent shell casing from the rifle used in a fatal domestic shooting serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of unresolved conflicts.Boston Today

A 29-year-old Massachusetts man named Widmaer Lapaix has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years for the 2024 shooting death of Maceo Martin, the ex-husband of a woman Lapaix was with in her apartment. Prosecutors said Lapaix fatally shot Martin through the entryway window after Martin arrived at the apartment and began shouting insults.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences that can result from domestic disputes escalating to violence, as well as the complex dynamics involved when former spouses are still in conflict. It also raises questions about the role of firearms in domestic situations and whether stronger laws or interventions are needed to prevent such tragedies.

The details

According to prosecutors, Lapaix was inside the apartment with Martin's ex-wife and her children when Martin arrived at the apartment building around 1 a.m. on October 8, 2024 and began ringing the doorbell and shouting insults. While the ex-wife was trying to get Martin to leave, Lapaix came downstairs armed with a rifle he legally owned and fired one shot through the entryway window, striking Martin in the chest. Martin was pronounced dead at the hospital.

  • On October 8, 2024, the incident occurred around 1 a.m.
  • On April 6, 2026, Lapaix was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years.

The players

Widmaer Lapaix

A 29-year-old Massachusetts man who was convicted of second-degree murder for fatally shooting Maceo Martin.

Maceo Martin

A 41-year-old Boston man who was the ex-husband of the woman Lapaix was with in her apartment when the shooting occurred.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To know Maceo was to know his infectious laugh.”

— One of Martin's sisters

“His laugh, his smile, his silly joyful spirit - those are the memories that remain and those are the memories you can never take from us.”

— Another sister of the victim

“I apologize to Maceo's family and my own family.”

— Widmaer Lapaix

What’s next

The judge's decision on Lapaix's possibility of parole after 15 years will be an important next step in this case.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for better interventions and support systems to de-escalate domestic disputes before they turn violent, as well as the role that easy access to firearms can play in exacerbating these situations with deadly consequences.