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News  All Charged Defendants In Recent Pittsfield Shootings Are Detained

The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office requested that all individuals Pittsfield Police charged in recent shootings are detained and each defendant is currently in custody.
5/28/2022
  • Berkshire District Attorney's Office

Media Contact   for All Charged Defendants In Recent Pittsfield Shootings Are Detained

Andrew McKeever, Director of Communications

Berkshire District Attorney's Office seal.

PITTSFIELDThe Berkshire District Attorney’s Office requested that all individuals Pittsfield Police charged in recent shootings are detained and each defendant is currently in custody.

On Friday, the court agreed with the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office that Keyondre Taft poses a danger to the community and that he be detained pre-trial. He is one of six people Pittsfield Police arrested and charged in shootings between February and April.

“I recognize the fear caused to City residents by recent gunfire. The District Attorney’s Office remains committed to working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to remove those who commit gun violence on our streets from the community,” said District Attorney Andrea Harrington.

“We have worked incredibly hard to build the trust of the community, especially in neighborhoods most impacted by gun violence and oppressed by a history of systemic racism. We hope the Pittsfield Police Department’s similar efforts are successful so that we obtain the evidence we need to meet our burden of proof in court.”

The Pittsfield Police Department filed charges in four shootings between February and April.

Michael Rose remains in custody without the right to bail in the Feb. 1 homicide of Jeric Black.

Terrell Ortiz remains in custody without the right to bail on a charge of assault and battery with a firearm related to the March 3 shooting on West Street.

Laquan Johnson is in custody without the right to bail in the April 4 homicide of Stephan Curley.

The following details were omitted from recent reporting on a prior case: The Police Department never charged Johnson as the shooter in the previous Glenwood Avenue drive-by shooting. PPD charged Johnson with illegal possession of a firearm and receiving stolen property. The District Attorney’s Office obtained guilty convictions on both charges and requested a jail sentence of at least one year. Defense Counsel requested probation. The court imposed a two-year sentence but suspended it and placed Mr. Johnson on probation. Additionally, the District Attorney’s office obtained a guilty conviction in the Glenwood Avenue case for David Moody, who is currently serving two and a half years in state prison for that crime.

Taft and two others are currently detained pre-trial without the right to bail on charges related to the April 26 shooting on Brierwood Lane.

The District Attorney’s Office offers the Pittsfield Police Department continual support in investigating these recent shootings by consulting on the legal aspects of investigations, offering State Police investigative expertise and resources, providing training, technological assistance, equipment and force multiplication.

These are all valuable responses to violence occurring in our community but true safety and equity for Berkshire County will be realized by addressing the social determinants of health like high-quality medical care, a strong education system, access to opportunity, and safe housing. The District Attorney’s Office continues to advocate for these structural changes.

Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington’s office serves all 32 cities and towns in Berkshire County. The office represents the Commonwealth in more than 7,500 criminal cases per year in Berkshire Superior Court, three district courts, three juvenile courts, Massachusetts Appeals Court, and Supreme Judicial Court. The office works closely with the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force, and collaborates with local police departments across the county. A dedicated staff of more than 50 prioritizes public safety, empowering victims and witnesses through services and support, and building a safe community for everyone and especially the most vulnerable.

Media Contact   for All Charged Defendants In Recent Pittsfield Shootings Are Detained

  • Berkshire District Attorney's Office 

    Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington's Office represents the Commonwealth in more than 7,500 criminal cases per year in Berkshire Superior Court, three district courts, three juvenile courts, Massachusetts Appeals Court, and Supreme Judicial Court. The office works closely with the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force, and collaborates with local police departments across the county. A dedicated staff of more than 50 prioritizes public safety, empowering victims and witnesses through services and support, and building a safe community for everyone and especially the most vulnerable.
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