By Patrick Johnson, pjohnson@repub.com SPRINGFIELD – City and county officials announced on Tuesday the formation of a county-wide effort to combat prostitution and human trafficking by targeting those who seek sex for money rather than those who supply it. “Don’t come to Springfield looking for sex because we will be looking for you,” said Deputy Springfield Police […]
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Massachusetts District Attorneys throw support behind House criminal justice reform bill
By Shira Schoenberg, sschoenberg@repub.com The Massachusetts District Attorneys Association has thrown its weight behind the House version of a criminal justice reform bill. That gives powerful backing to the more moderate of two proposals. The District Attorneys had been strong critics of a reform bill passed by the state Senate. “We believe that the House bill offers […]
More charges filed against Springfield man wanted for double murder in Vermont
Justin J. Orwat, 46, of Springfield(Springfield Police Department) By Jack Flynn, jflynn@repub.com SPRINGFIELD — A Springfield man wanted for a double murder in Vermont is being held on $50,000 bail here after denying an armed robbery last month in Springfield. Justin Orwat, 46, pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Springfield District Court to armed robbery and assault with a […]
DA: Holyoke man died in intentional crash orchestrated by 2 people to get insurance money for car
(File photo/The Republican) By Buffy Spencer, bspencer@repub.com SPRINGFIELD — A Holyoke man and a Springfield woman have been indicted on involuntary manslaughter and other charges in connection with the death of Jonathan Aguilar, who crashed a car July 21 into a loading dock behind the Holyoke Kmart Plaza on Route 5. A Hampden Superior Court grand jury indicted […]
78-year-old shooter, 68-year-old victim named in Holyoke slaying-suicide
By Greg Saulmon, gsaulmon@repub.com HOLYOKE — The district attorney on Friday identified a man and woman who died this week in what officials described as a murder-suicide. Carmen L. Echevarria, 68, was shot and killed in the Veterans Park Apartments building 598 Dwight St. shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday, according to the office of Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni. A […]
Prosecutor: ‘Time to protect Holyoke, protect community, from this menace’
Jose Santiago(Police photo) By Buffy Spencer, bspencer@repub.com SPRINGFIELD – Assistant District Attorney Janine M. Simonian wanted a judge to sentence Jose Santiago to a total of 25 to 35 years in state prison, saying he has ” been terrorizing the community for over two decades.” “It’s time to stop Mr. Santiago’s destructive behavior. It’s time to protect […]
Shanna Sharples Under Arrest in Connection with Child Endangerment
October 4, 2017 -Springfield- Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni announced today the arrest of Shanna Sharples, 38, of Westfield. She has been charged with: Child Endangerment, Improper Disposal of a Body, and three counts of Obstruction of Justice. On Thursday, May 5, 2017, Detectives from the Westfield Police Department contacted the Massachusetts State Police Detective […]
Daniel Leary motor vehicle homicide conviction upheld by state court in West Springfield crash that killed David Laduzenski
By Buffy Spencer, bspencer@repub.com WEST SPRINGFIELD — The state Appeals Court has upheld the 2013 conviction of Daniel Leary for motor vehicle homicide by reckless or negligent operation while under the influence of alcohol. David Laduzenski, 29, a Somerville resident and West Springfield native, was home visiting family and friends when he was hit while standing in a friend’s driveway […]
Victim of Springfield Homicide Identified
September 28, 2017 -Springfield- On September 26, 2017 the Springfield Police Department responded to 24 Baldwin Street for a shots fired call and with a report of a shooting victim. Responding officers observed a scene consistent with what was reported. While officers were on scene, the victim arrived at Baystate Medical Center suffering from an […]
Victim of Accident on Breckwood Blvd in Springfield Identified
September 25, 2017 -Springfield- On Sunday, September 24, 2017 the Springfield Police Department responded to a crash involving a pedestrian on Breckwood Boulevard in Springfield. The victim of the crash has been identified as Mr. Nathaniel Acevedo, 13, of Springfield. The crash remains under investigation by the Springfield Police Department and the Motor Vehicle Homicide […]