Statement from District Attorney Shugrue:
Yesterday [August 16th] Pittsfield experienced its third incident of gun violence since the middle of June. This afternoon [August 17th] I, along with my First and Second Assistant District Attorneys, met with the Chief Marc Maddalena of the Pittsfield Police, Detective Lieutenant Ryan Dickinson of the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit, Captain Marc Strout of the Pittsfield Police Detective Bureau, and additional members of the Pittsfield Police Department.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the recent incidents of gun violence occurring in Pittsfield and determine our next steps forward. Ultimately, Chief Maddalena and I decided to form a specialized task force with the sole mission of bringing an end to this violence.
The task force will be led by First Assistant District Attorney Marianne Shelvey. First Assistant Shelvey has an extensive history conducting multi-jurisdiction law enforcement missions from her time serving at the Department of Justice Violent Crimes and Racketeering Section. The task force will include members of the Pittsfield Police, the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit assigned to the District Attorney’s Office and members of the Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force.
The task force will serve as a support to the work already conducted by the Pittsfield Police Department and provide additional resources, including additional personnel and overtime funding through grants awarded to the Berkshire District Attorney, to support the investigation.
Right now, our community is rightfully extremely concerned and troubled. There are many unanswered questions surrounding these incidents of violence. There is understandable feeling of frustration and fear that no one has been arrested and limited questions have been answered.
What we know is the following: On June 18th, there was an incident of gun violence in the area of Tyler Street and Pleasure Avenue. One individual died and one individual was injured during this event. Following an extensive investigation, the Pittsfield Police applied for and was granted an arrest warrant for Terry Martizna, wanted for Murder. On August 4th, there was a report of approximately 25 rounds fired around the intersection of Onota and Walnut Street. This incident led to two non-life-threatening injuries. On August 16th, there was a third incident of gun violence in the area of Francis Avenue and Linden Street. Three individuals suffered non-life-threatening injuries. All three incidents shattered a feeling of safety in the city.
At this point, we also know that the incidents of violence involve both adults and juveniles. The investigation into all three incidents remains active. While it is unclear if the incidents are connected, based on the investigations to date, law enforcement are confident that the incidents are targeted and NOT random.
This violence, while carried out by people, is amplified by access to guns and ammunition. If you think you have information of someone with an illegal firearm or any information regarding these incidents please contact Pittsfield Police, 413-448-9700, or provide an anonymous tip by texting PITTIP and your message to TIP411 (847411).