Berkshire Superior Court — On August 5, 2025, Walter Gadson (DOB 11/24/1994; last known address: Pittsfield, MA) was found guilty in a jury trial in Berkshire Superior Court on five charges related to a violent stabbing in 2023. On August 22nd, 2025, the Defendant was found guilty in a bench trial in Berkshire Superior Court of a sixth charge of being a Habitual Criminal Offender. The habitual offender designation requires that Gadson serve the full 15-year sentence for his conviction of Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon, without the possibility of parole. The remaining charges will be served concurrently.
| Count(s) | CHARGE(S): | SENTENCE: |
| 1 | Use Without Authority | 2 years to the House of Corrections |
| 2 | Assault & Battery By Means Of A Dangerous Weapon – Causing Serious Bodily Injury | 15 years No eligibility of parole / good time etc.
Maximum must be served |
| 3 | Violation Of An Abuse Prevention Order | 2 ½ years House of Corrections |
| 4 | Violation Of An Abuse Prevention Order C209a §7 | 2 ½ years House of Corrections |
| 5 | Aggravated Assault & Battery C265 §13a(B)(Iii) | 5 years No eligibility of parole / good time etc.
Maximum must be served |
| 6 | Habitual Criminal | Guilty as a Habitual Offender |
The charges stem from a series of events that began in October 2023, when Gadson unlawfully used a vehicle belonging to a woman he was living with at the time. The woman later obtained a restraining order against him.
On November 28, 2023, Gadson entered a bar in Pittsfield where the same woman and a male companion were present. Gadson approached and antagonized the pair. He was ultimately escorted from the premises but waited outside, continuing to act aggressively. When the woman and man exited the bar, Gadson confronted them and slashed the male victim across the neck. He then grabbed the woman by the throat, blaming her for his (Gadson’s) attack.
The woman immediately rushed the victim to Berkshire Medical Center. Medical testimony confirmed that the victim would likely have died had he not received immediate care.
On August 22nd, Gadson was found guilty following a bench trial presided over by Judge John Agostini. He was also convicted as a Habitual Criminal Offender, a sentencing enhancement reserved for individuals previously convicted of two or more felonies and sentenced to prison terms of three years or more.
Prior Convictions Include:
- 2012 (Massachusetts): Armed Robbery, three counts of Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault and Battery. Gadson was sentenced to 5–6 years in state prison.
- 2019 (Georgia): Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer. Gadson was sentenced to 15 years, serving 5.1 years before being released on parole. He subsequently violated parole by leaving the state, and a warrant remains active for his arrest in Georgia.
District Attorney Timothy Shugrue stated, “This case presented significant challenges, particularly the fear instilled in victims and witnesses by Mr. Gadson. He terrorized one victim for an extended period and nearly killed another. Thanks to the courage of those who testified, and the dedicated work of Assistant District Attorney Amy Winston and Victim Witness Advocate Krista Avery, an extremely dangerous individual has now been removed from our community.”
The District Attorney continued, “Walter Gadson received the maximum sentence for each crime of which he was convicted, reflecting the severity of his actions. I cannot stress enough the extreme level of terror and violence he rained down on his victims. I thank the court, including judge and jury, for their diligence and commitment to justice, not for only the victims for the safety of the Berkshires and beyond.”
Assistant District Attorney Amy Winston represented the Commonwealth. Krista Avery served as the Victim Witness Advocate on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office. Pittsfield Police led the investigation.