January 30, 2024 -Springfield-  On Friday, January 26, 2024 a Hampden County Superior Court Jury found Warner Donaldson, 50, of Springfield, guilty of armed robbery while masked, assault with a dangerous weapon, and larceny under $1200. On the same day a superior court judge later sentenced Warner Donaldson to 17-23 years in prison on the charges stemming from a February 2021convenience store robbery on the 500 block of Boston Road.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni stated, “Our society can have no tolerance for senseless violence and victimization. The detectives from the Springfield Police Department did a great job and deserve the community’s thanks. I also thank Assistant District Attorney Kelsey Baran and Victim Advocate Kristin Welch who had to fight very hard to ensure justice was done.”

On February 28, 2021 at 8:46p.m., members of the Springfield Police Department responded to the 500 block of Boston Road for an armed robbery. Witnesses described him wearing all black hoodie, pants, sneakers, along with latex gloves, and a mask. Upon entering the store he presented a firearm and demanded all the money in the register. The suspect took off down Boston Road with $500-$700 in cash.

Detectives with the Springfield Police Department were able to obtain security footage, quickly identify a suspect and apply for an arrest warrant.  Detectives were able to locate and arrest Warner Donaldson a short time later at his family’s home on Stuart Street in Springfield.

Assistant District Attorney Kelsey Baran successfully represented the Commonwealth at trial with the support of Victim Witness Advocate Kristin Welch.