Zyrus Jaynes Charged with Murder in Friday’s Fatal Stabbing

Zyrus Jaynes
24 years old
41 Lester St.
Springfield, MA

Pittsfield, MA- On Monday, June 1^st Zyrus Jaynes was charged with Murder in Central Berkshire District Court. The Defendant is being held without the right to bail. Additionally, the Defendant had bail revoked on two prior cases from the summer of 2025 (see below).

Following the arraignment, District Attorney Shugrue stated, “At this point it appears that Zyrus Jaynes and Jesse Gray had no prior connection before Friday’s stabbing. This senseless act led to the death of Jesse Gray and forever impacted the families of both Mr. Gray and the Defendant as well as the community. My thoughts are with all of those impacted by Mr. Gray’s murder.”

On Friday May 29^th at approximately 9:57pm Pittsfield Police were dispatched to 10 Hall Place for a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival they found one victim, Jesse Gray (36 years old, Pittsfield) suffering from a stab wound to his left side. Police rendered life saving aid until the Pittsfield Fire Department and EMS arrived. Mr. Gray was transported to Berkshire Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries that same evening.

The early stages of the investigation reveal that there was an alleged altercation between Mr. Gray and the Defendant outside of 10 Hall Place, a multi-unit residence. According to witnesses, Mr. Gray drove his car into the Hall Place driveway. The Defendant approached Mr. Gray in an elevated manor and an altercation ensued. The altercation escalated and the Defendant allegedly stabbed Mr. Gray. The Defendant fled the area. Pittsfield Police were able to determine a suspect, Zyrus Jaynes, after conducting witness interviews.  On Saturday, May 30^th, at approximately 7:12am dispatch advised police detectives that the Defendant had returned to the Hall Place residence. Police brought the Defendant into custody without incident.

Zyrus Jaynes had outstanding charges including a July 2025 case where he was charged with Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault and Battery and an August 2025 case for Assault and Battery. In August, the District Attorney’s Office requested that the Defendant be held without bail; however, the judge ruled against the Commonwealth’s request.