Latest news with #HampdenDistrictAttorney'sOffice
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Yahoo
Supreme Judicial Court upholds 2018 murder conviction in Latin King case
SPRINGFIELD — The state Supreme Judicial Court has upheld the first-degree murder conviction of Lee Manuel Rios in a killing linked to the Latin Kings street gang, the Hampden District Attorney's Office said Wednesday. Lee Manuel Rios remains sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. A jury found Rios guilty in 2018 of first-degree murder for the March 2015 fatal shooting of 18-year-old Kenneth Lopez. On Wednesday, the District Attorney's office called Lopez's killing a carefully orchestrated plan to ambush and execute him, which was rooted in internal gang conflict and personal retaliation. Rios lured the victim out, who believed they were meeting to reconcile, but then Rios shot him multiple times from behind with a .38 caliber revolver. 'He was excited to do this. ... and after he did it, he boasted about,' prosecutor Max Bennett said at trial about Rios' killing of Lopez. The victim's body was discovered the following morning. In his appeal, Rios' attorney challenged the admissibility of forensic data surrounding the ShotSpotter gunfire detection system, suppression of audio recordings, and the handling of cell phone evidence. The Supreme Judicial Court said those claims lacked merit. The court also dismissed the defendant's claim of newly discovered evidence and allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel. It concluded there was overwhelming evidence supporting the conviction, according to the District Attorney's office. 'This case involved a calculated and cold-blooded murder,' said Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni in a statement. 'The Court's decision affirms the just outcome delivered by the jury and, we hope, is another step towards closure of the criminal justice process for the victim's family.' Cause of Westfield fatal fire determined Trustees reopen William Cullen Bryant Homestead in Cummington for tours Markey wants answers from Verizon over lead in old phone lines Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Maza takes the helm at Reminder Publishing
EAST LONGMEADOW — Longtime journalist Chris Maza has been named executive editor of Reminder Publishing, giving him overall editorial responsibility for the group's eight newspapers, two magazines and numerous specialty publications. Maza, 42, was named interim editor earlier this year when Payton North, the previous executive editor, left the organization for a job with the Hampden District Attorney's Office. He began his career with The Reminder in 2010 as assistant managing editor, leaving the newspaper group in 2017 to pursue a communications career in higher education. Maza returned to journalism in 2019 as editor of the Westfield News Group but found himself back at The Reminder when it purchased the Westfield publisher that same year. 'It was a roundabout way to find my way back home,' he said. 'I'm grateful to the powers that be for putting their trust in me. It's gratifying, because there has been such a long history with me and this company and these communities. This is a new way for me to serve these cities and towns.' While newspapers remain the foundation of Reminder Publishing, Maza said he wants to continue strong programming on the company's podcast — 'So That Reminds Me' — which features interviews with local newsmakers. He also plans to strengthen the newspapers' presence on social media. 'We're trying to be more engaging. We're diversifying how we're presenting information, but with it all leading back to our publications, which are our bread and butter and the backbone of what we do here,' he said. Curtis Panlilio, chief revenue officer and technology manager for Reminder Publishing, said the company was 'thrilled by Chris' promotion.' 'The Reminder has been very fortunate to have many of its leadership team develop and rise through the ranks. Chris exemplifies this, and I'm proud of what he has and will accomplish as executive editor,' said Panlilio. 'We look forward to his continuing success with The Reminder.' Maza started out his career as a beat reporter covering the suburbs of Springfield. It is where he learned to appreciate people and their stories, and he plans to continue embedding reporters in communities across Western Massachusetts, he said. 'There's probably not anywhere in our coverage area that I haven't had my fingerprints on at some point,' he said. 'We really get to know our communities, and they get to know us. When you have that deeper understanding of how a community works, when issues come up, you have a better understanding of how they impact people.' Maza now runs a staff of four editors, six full-time writers and more than a dozen freelance correspondents and photographers. A married father of a 7-year-old daughter and, as a lifelong resident of the region, Maza said readers are concerned about everything from local schools and government to whether their road is going to be the next one paved. 'They want to know where their property taxes are going and how (municipal) projects are going to impact their bottom line,' he said. 'We're reporting on the people who run and make up these communities. We're going beyond just covering local government. We're telling stories about people who are the fabric of the communities.' Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Yahoo
Hampden DA's office gives updates on suspects arrested in narcotics takedown
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Hampden District Attorney's Office has shared updates on two of the suspects involved in major drug distributions that were dismantled last month. Hampden DA's Office Communications Director Payton North shared in a news release that Anthony Perez of Springfield is being held without the right to bail per a 58A hearing. He is scheduled for a bail hearing on July 16, and a trial date has not been set at this time. DA Gulluni announces results of three major narcotics investigations in Springfield An investigation began into Perez in the summer of 2024 in connection with fentanyl and heroin distribution in the Springfield area. Law enforcement discovered that Perez was being supplied by a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating both in Springfield and the Bronx, N.Y. Perez was arraigned on January 17, 2025. In addition, 29 other individuals connected with the operation were arrested across several months, with Perez and his associates facing drug trafficking and firearm-related charges. Ruben Luna, who was also arrested as part of the DA's narcotics takedown operation, had a 58A hearing on May 28. He is being held without the right to bail for 120 days. Luna's charges stem from an investigation on May 22, in which state and Springfield police officers conducted searches at three locations. Luna is among three suspects who were arrested during the investigation, and law enforcement seized a large quantity of cocaine, heroin, and narcotic pills across the three locations. 22News will provide updates as more information becomes available. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State AG's office revives probe into voter fraud allegations involving 2023 Springfield election
SPRINGFIELD — The state Attorney General's office has reportedly revived an investigation into whether the mayoral candidate of Justin Hurst paid for votes in 2023. City officials confirmed that a prosecutor and a Massachusetts state trooper visited City Hall May 28 and quizzed Elections Office staff and requested voter records related to the mayoral race that pitted Hurst against longtime incumbent Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. State investigators showed up at City Hall two days before Hurst pulled papers to run for City Council once again. Hurst said he believes his work in city government is not done. 'The issues that I campaigned on when I ran for mayor are more present now than ever before. Time and time again, we are failing to meet the moment. And we, the people, feel the pain,' Hurst said. Days before the November election in 2023, campaign workers for Hurst were captured on building video outside City Hall carting local voters back and forth to the polls. While Hurst was in the convoy of cars, the footage did not show him providing $10 bills for votes, unlike some of his workers. The voters also were promised a fish dinner once they presented their 'I voted early' stickers to Hurst people standing outside City Hall. About a half dozen city officials, as well as a police officer, said in sworn affidavits at the time that they witnessed the distribution of $10 bills. When the video footage emerged, Hurst claimed it was a last-minute 'smear campaign' from Sarno's camp and denied paying for votes. Around 130 voters registered to vote and cast their ballots early on the same day, according to City Solicitor Stephen J. Buoniconti. Many of those voters logged their addresses as the Worthington Street homeless shelter. The Republican at the time interviewed a man who confirmed he was paid $10 to vote for Hurst. The city solicitor at the time, retired judge John Payne, called for the Hampden District Attorney's Office to launch a criminal investigation. 'It is extremely troubling. This is a fraud upon the elections process,' Payne said in 2023. 'Before I became a judge, I was active in elections for 30 years, and I've never heard of anyone being paid for a vote. It is very serious,' he said at the time. A state law concerning 'voter bribery' provides penalties of up to a year in jail. A state elections official told The Republican in 2023 that there is no scenario under which it would be permissible to pay a voter to cast a ballot. Buoniconti on Tuesday confirmed that investigators came May 28 with specific questions regarding 'alleged improprieties' by Hurst's camp during that mayoral race. 'They're doing a deeper dive in the investigation but it appears to us there's been a staff change in the AG's office and they're going back to start the investigation all over,' he said, identifying the lead prosecutor in the case as Karen Bell. Bell was an assistant district attorney in Hampden County before leaving for the same role in Berkshire County in 2018, and then moving on to the statewide office. The Republican has for months been asking Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell's office about the status of the voting probe. The agency has resisted releasing records, citing the ongoing investigation exemption under state law. 'We have determined that because the exempt information is so interwoven within the text of these records, proper redaction would render them meaningless and therefore, withholding them in their entirety is appropriate in this instance,' reads a response from the office in November. In response to a request for comment on overcoming questions about voting impropriety, Hurst said he intends to devote his attention to what he sees as the issues of the day. 'I'll stay focused on what I can control, which is ensuring that our message for a better Springfield gets out to as many voters as possible,' Hurst said. Buoniconti, the city solicitor, said he is hopeful the matter can be resolved one way or another before the next election cycle in the fall. He also expressed frustration over the length of time it has taken Campbell's office to address the situation, despite the fact that the city turned over all records that were requested and made its staff available for interviews. He said the attorney general's office has obtained records on which voters registered and cast their ballots the same day. 'There's a cloud that is hanging over the electoral process in the city and we need to resolve that so people have confidence in the integrity of the electoral process,' Buoniconti said. He noted a climate of 'political violence' across the nation and recalled that Sarno's tires were slashed outside City Hall last year, and the suspect was a man identified as one of the people on the same-day voting list. Court records show the alleged tire slasher, Steven Kostorizos, was charged with the crime. The case is stayed because he was deemed by a judge as not competent to stand trial. Hurst said he is running for the council again after pleas from supporters 'that I would not stop fighting for them, for their children and families, and for a better Springfield.' Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Springfield man accused of shooting ex-girlfriend being held on over a dozen charges
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A Springfield man is being held on more than a dozen charges, including assault with the intent to murder. In a news release from the Hampden District Attorney's Office Assistant Communications Director Elijah Ayers, Springfield police were called to Mercy Medical Center for a report of an assault on December 14, 2024. A report was filed for a woman who had a cut on her forehead and was allegedly assaulted by her ex-boyfriend. On December 17th, officers were called to a shooting on Stafford Street. The same victim was found suffering from gunshot wounds. She was taken to the hospital and is expected to recover. Springfield police seize gun and drugs from suspect found in Hennessy Park The suspect was identified as 38-year-old Luis Kidanny-Colon and a warrant was issued for his arrest. The following day, detectives arrested Colon as he exited the bus at Union Station in Springfield. They seized a loaded 40mm Smith and Wesson handgun with one live round in the chamber and approximately six rounds in the magazine, 33 bags of heroin stamped 'Chanel' inside a sandwich bag, and three grey medium-sized caps containing cocaine inside a sandwich bag. Luis Kidanny-Colon is charged with the following: Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (2 counts) Armed burglary Larceny under $1,200 Malicious injury to property Assault and battery by discharge of a firearm Assault with the intent to murder Assault and battery with serious bodily injury Mayhem Armed with a firearm Unlawful possession of a firearm Carrying a large-capacity rifle or shotgun on a public way Unlawful possession of a controlled substance Stalking On Thursday, the DA's Office said that a judge found Colon dangerous after a hearing in Hampden Superior Court and will be held under pre-trial detention for 180 days. He is scheduled in Hampden Superior Court for June 18th. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
