On Thursday, December 12th, Gilberto Franciapena pleaded guilty to Negligent Motor Vehicle Homicide. The Defendant was sentenced to two years probation; a loss of license for fifteen years; and 100 hours of community service. The Commonwealth requested a two years suspended sentence and loss of license for fifteen years.
On the morning of Thursday April 20, 2023 the Defendant was traveling east bound on the Massachusetts Turnpike. At approximately the 1.8 mile marker in West Stockbridge, the vehicle flipped in a single motor vehicle collision. There were five occupants in the vehicle. Four of the occupants, including the driver, were transported to Berkshire Medical Center due to injuries sustained in the collision. The fifth individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. The defendant was not impaired at the time of the collision.
Assistant District Attorney Johnathen Moffat represented the Commonwealth. Chief of the Motor Vehicle Homicide Unit, Joseph Yorlano supported. Tara Jones-Nutting served as a victim witness advocate on behalf of the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office. Law enforcement response included the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office; the State Police Collision Analysis Reconstruction Unit; the State Police Lee and Cheshire Barricks; and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section.