September 5, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni has announced that Jared Dewberry, 27, of Agawam, has been sentenced to serve 18–20 years in state prison following a plea in Hampden Superior Court.

On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the Honorable Judge Tracy E. Duncan sentenced Dewberry to 18–20 years in state prison for Manslaughter in the shooting death of Gary White, 25, of Springfield. Dewberry also received a concurrent sentence of 3–5 years for Illegal Possession of a Firearm.

White’s family was present in court during the sentencing.

On August 10, 2023, in the early morning hours, Springfield Police responded to reports of gunfire at or near 551 East Columbus Ave. When officers arrived, they discovered Gary White suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to his lower back and thigh. Despite life-saving efforts, White was pronounced deceased shortly after officers arrived. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that he died as a result of the gunshot injuries.

Through their investigation, detectives recovered surveillance video showing Dewberry and White arriving together in the same vehicle. The footage depicts Dewberry removing White from the backseat of the vehicle before a struggle ensued. During the altercation, Dewberry’s hat fell to the ground. He then drew a firearm and shot White twice.

Evidence revealed that White was legally licensed to carry a firearm and attempted to defend himself, but his weapon jammed and did not discharge. White was able to call 911 himself following the shooting.

Investigators recovered the hat left at the scene, which contained DNA on its band. The DNA profile was later matched to Dewberry through CODIS. Cell phone records, surveillance video, and text messages between the defendant and the victim also linked Dewberry to the crime.

At the time of the shooting, Dewberry did not possess a license to carry firearms.

“This was a senseless act of violence that took the life of a young man and left a family grieving. I extend my sympathy to Mr. White’s family, who have carried themselves with strength and dignity throughout this difficult process,” Gulluni said. “I thank the Springfield Police Department and my prosecutors for their outstanding work in bringing this case to a just resolution.”

This case was investigated by the Springfield Police Department’s Homicide Unit in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office.

The Commonwealth was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Michael Cashman and Kerry Koehler, and Victim Witness Advocate Stacy Martel.