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The Northshore Mall became a crime scene on Saturday night, when a cook at the P.F. Chang's there allegedly stabbed a coworker to death around 5:30 p.m.
Jaquan Huston, 23, is charged with first-degree murder in the fatal knife attack of 38-year-old Elivelton Dias, CBS Boston reported. Both men are from Salem. Huston is expected to be arraigned in Peabody District Court today.
Tonight we lost an employee in a tragic incident at our Peabody restaurant. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our colleague. We will be mobilizing support to provide care to our colleague’s family, as well as our fellow employees, during this difficult time. We are also cooperating with local law enforcement as they conduct their investigation.
Dias was pronounced dead at a Salem hospital. According to reports, Huston fled the kitchen following the alleged attack and was arrested at his Salem home later Saturday evening.
WCVB reported that Dias trained other employees at the Peabody location of P.F. Chang's. Huston had started at the restaurant within the past month, his mother told the news channel. Authorities haven't determined a motive for the attack.
Dias, 38, recently became a new father, according to WCVB.
P.F. Chang's remains closed pending more investigation into the incident. Online ordering and reservation services are currently disabled for the location.
Last Saturday, Jiemou Xu, a cook at Jing's Garden in Revere, also allegedly stabbed a coworker. The female server sustained wounds to her face and neck but is expected to survive.
UPDATE, 9/8/15: P.F. Chang's has announced plans to fundraise for Dias' wife and newborn:
On August 29, the P.F. Chang’s in Peabody, MA, lost an extraordinary employee in a terrible tragedy. Elivelton (Eli) Dias was a skilled chef and member of the P.F. Chang’s family for the past seven years, a caring colleague and a friend to many. In honor of Eli, P.F. Chang’s will donate 100% of sales at its Boston-area restaurants from September 14-17 to his wife and newborn baby. We invite you to join us at the below locations to help us raise funds that will benefit his family.
- P.F. CHANG’S PEABODY
- P.F. CHANG’S PRUDENTIAL CENTER
- P.F. CHANG’S DEDHAM
- P.F. CHANG’S CAMBRIDGE
- P.F. CHANG’S BOSTON
- P.F. CHANG’S NATICK
If you’re unable to join us in our restaurants during this time, P.F. Chang’s has also set up The Eli Dias Memorial Fund. All proceeds from these fundraising efforts will go directly to Eli’s wife and daughter. Thank you for your support. Please keep the Dias family in your thoughts.
