2010 First Degree Murder Convictions of Swinkels Laporte and Maxwell Wiggins Upheld by SJC
September 8, 2017 -Springfield- Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni announced today the 2010 murder convictions of Swinkles Laporte and Maxwell Wiggins has been upheld by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni stated, “I am pleased to announce the affirmation of these 2010 murder convictions. The dedicated and commendable work by the office’s appeals unit, headed by Assistant District Attorney Kate McMahon, is clear with this decision as is the exemplary trial work of Assistant District Attorney Laurel Brandt.”
Laporte and Wiggins were convicted of first degree murder in 2010 for the tragic shooting of Ms. Tracy Bennett. On the night of August 29, 2007, Ms. Bennett was returning home while Laporte and Wiggins were leaving her home after they robbed the homes occupants at gunpoint. Ms. Bennett was shot outside of her home while her son was calling 9-1-1 after the assailants were heard leaving the house.
The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Laurel Brandt.
Assistant District Attorney Katherine McMahon successfully represented the Commonwealth in the appeal.
Attached is the Supreme Judicial Court’s decision.
