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Springfield, MA

Beloved Teacher, Grad From Western Mass School Remembered For Positive Impact On Students Beloved Teacher, Grad From Western Mass School Remembered For Positive Impact On Students
Beloved Teacher, Grad From Western Mass School Remembered For Positive Impact On Students A beloved teacher who was a fixture at a Northern Westchester high school for decades is being remembered for her contagious positive energy and her tremendous impact on her students throughout her long career.   Elizabeth “Betsy” Groat of Ho-Ho-Kus in Bergen County died on Wednesday, Oct. 30 after a battle with cancer, according to her obituary.   Groat, who taught physical education and coached at Westlake High School in Thornwood, dedicated 38 years to inspiring and supporting student-athletes in the Mount Pleasant School District, according to a GoFundMe page created…
Man Who Gunned Down Ex-Springfield Mom, Infant In. CT Drive-By Busted In Puerto Rico: Police Man Who Gunned Down Ex-Springfield Mom, Infant In. CT Drive-By Busted In Puerto Rico: Police
Man Who Gunned Down Ex-Springfield Mom, Infant In. CT Drive-By Busted In Puerto Rico: Police A 23-year-old man accused of fatally shooting a young mother and her infant son in Connecticut was arrested in Puerto Rico, authorities announced. Lance Morales, the suspect in the drive-by shooting that killed 20-year-old Jessiah Mercado and her 4-month-old son, Messiah Diaz, was taken into custody Saturday, Nov. 23, by the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force, the Marshal Service said.  He was found at a home in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and is being held on a $3 million bond. The incident unfolded earlier this week when officers responded to Hartford Hospital after a vehicle arriv…
Western Mass. Woman ID'd As Victim In Fatal Collision With Cement Truck Western Mass. Woman ID'd As Victim In Fatal Collision With Cement Truck
Western Mass. Woman ID'd As Victim In Fatal Collision With Cement Truck Authorities have identified a 74-year-old Massachusetts woman killed in a head-on collision earlier this week in Hampshire County, authorities said.  Cynthia Jensen, of Becket in Berkshire County, was killed just after 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, in the town of Huntington, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said.  Jensen, who was in a compact car, collided with a cement truck driven by a 59-year-old Huntington Man on Pond Brook Road near Old Town Road.  Paramedics rushed Jensen to Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton and later to Baystate Medi…
$1M Lottery Payday: Springfield Man Lands Major Jackpot Playing New Game $1M Lottery Payday: Springfield Man Lands Major Jackpot Playing New Game
$1M Lottery Payday: Springfield Man Lands Major Jackpot Playing New Game A new game from the Massachusetts State Lottery helped make a Springfield man a millionaire.  William Carpenter won $1 million this week playing the “$2,500,000 Merry & Bright,” a $10 scratch-off ticket.  Related: Taunton Man Is A Newly Minted Millionaire After Big Lottery Win Carpenter chose to take the lump sum payment of $650,000 (before taxes) rather than the annuity. He said he plans to put the money into his savings.  Carpenter bought the winning ticket at Sunoco at 336 Centre St. in Abington. The store will get a $10,000 bonus for the sale. 
Teen Threatened To Shoot Up Springfield School, Showed Gun: Police Teen Threatened To Shoot Up Springfield School, Showed Gun: Police
Teen Threatened To Shoot Up Springfield School, Showed Gun: Police A day after a 14-year-old boy opened fire in a Georgia high school killing four people, a 15-year-old in Massachusetts threatened to do the same at a school in Springfield, authorities said.  Administrators at an unnamed charter school called police around 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, after learning of the threats. A student told them about the comments and shared a video that showed the teen with a gun, Springfield police said.  Officers searched the teen's home but did not find the weapon. Soon after, police were alerted to another teen who attends a different school and is fri…
Teen Who Killed Mom In Hit-Run Crash, Impaling Her On Springfield Cemetery Fence Busted: DA Teen Who Killed Mom In Hit-Run Crash, Impaling Her On Springfield Cemetery Fence Busted: DA
Teen Who Killed Mom In Hit-Run Crash, Impaling Her On Springfield Cemetery Fence Busted: DA A teenager accused of a hit-and-run crash into a 36-year-old woman earlier this week that sent her body tumbling through the air until it landed atop a cemetery fence was arrested, authorities said.  Nathan Colon, 18, of Springfield, was arrested at his home on Lakevilla Avenue and charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury crash causing death, and motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation, the Hampden District Attorney said.  He was being held on a $10,000 bond, authorities said.  Kristine Andrews was walking along Boston Road on Monday, Sept. 2, when she w…
Man Struck, Killed On I-91 In Springfield ID'd As 54-Year-Old Man Struck, Killed On I-91 In Springfield ID'd As 54-Year-Old
Man Struck, Killed On I-91 In Springfield ID'd As 54-Year-Old Police have identified the man who they say was hit by a car and was killed while crossing I-91 South in Springfield Thursday morning, Aug. 8.  Dominic Brad, 54, of Hartford, Connecticut, was hit by a Toyota Corolla just after 2 a.m. near mile marker 4.8, Springfield police said.  Officers shut down I-91 South for hours as they cleaned, cleared, and investigated the crash. The road re-opened to normal traffic around 6 p.m.  Officers are investigating the circumstances that led up to the crash. 
Body Found Behind Springfield Park Body Found Behind Springfield Park
Body Found Behind Springfield Park The body of a man was found behind a park in Springfield on Monday morning, Aug. 5.  The man was found around 10:10 a.m. in a wooded area behind Blunt Park. Officers were called to the area to find the body. The man's name was not released.  Police did not disclose the cause of death or if it appeared he was the victim of an attack.  Springfield police are investigating the man's death. 
(UPDATE) 'Megan Will Be Greatly Missed': CT Teen Killed In Western Mass Crash ID'd; Funeral Set (UPDATE) 'Megan Will Be Greatly Missed': CT Teen Killed In Western Mass Crash ID'd; Funeral Set
(Update) 'Megan Will Be Greatly Missed': CT Teen Killed In Western Mass Crash ID'd; Funeral Set Update: A GoFundMe to help pay for Megan Davis' funeral has raised more than $20,000 as of Sunday, Aug. 4, surpassing its original goal.  More than 350 people have donated to the cause. Click here for more information on the campaign.  Original: A 17-year-old Connecticut girl who was killed in a Hampden County car crash earlier this week is being remembered for her bright smile that was only matched by her bright future.  Megan Davis, of Enfield, Connecticut, died on Sunday, July 28, after dying in a crash on North Blandford Road in Blandford, about 45 minutes west of S…
Man Dies Trying To Run From State Police In Springfield Crash: Troopers Man Dies Trying To Run From State Police In Springfield Crash: Troopers
Man Dies Trying To Run From State Police In Springfield Crash: Troopers A 41-year-old Springfield man died after he crashed his car trying to evade a traffic stop, authorities said.  The crash happened just after 2:20 a.m. Friday, July 26, on Route 291 near Exit 4 in Springfield. A State Trooper attempted to pull over a 2013 Infinity G37 after it drifted over the line.  The driver initially signaled that they planned to stop, but he floored it and sped away at speeds over 100 miles per hour, State Police said. The trooper did not pursue the car, authorities said in a news release.  The driver attempted to leave the highway at Exit 4 but was trav…
Nearly 50 Charges: 3 Officers Hurt, Suspect Crashes Into Cruiser In Springfield Nearly 50 Charges: 3 Officers Hurt, Suspect Crashes Into Cruiser In Springfield
Nearly 50 Charges: 3 Officers Hurt, Suspect Crashes Into Cruiser In Springfield Three Springfield police officers were hurt after a repeat offender crashed into multiple pedestrian cars and slammed into a patrol cruiser in an attempt to escape arrest on Thursday, July 25, authorities said.  Davey Quinones, 20, faces 46 charges, many of them felonies, after his arrest, Springfield police said.  Police were investigating Quinones for allegedly having an illegal firearm with a 50-round drum magazine when he spotted the surveillance team on Lombard Street around 3:45 p.m. He jumped into a car and sped away, slamming into multiple vehicles as he made his hast…
Weekend Wreck In Western Mass County Third Fatal In 3 Days Weekend Wreck In Western Mass County Third Fatal In 3 Days
Weekend Wreck In Western Mass County Third Fatal In 3 Days A 51-year-old man was killed in the third fatal wreck in the Western Massachusetts county in as many days, authorities said.  In Hampshire County, the Belchertown man was the only person in the vehicle when it crashed on Sunday, July 21, around 7:45 p.m. on Washington Street in Belchertown, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. Police are investigating what led to the wreck.  The man's name has not been released as authorities notify his family.  The crash was the third in Hampshire County over 72 hours.  Jose M. Soto, a 62-year-old Springf…
Teen ID'd As Person Killed In Springfield Shooting Teen ID'd As Person Killed In Springfield Shooting
Teen ID'd As Person Killed In Springfield Shooting Police have identified the 19-year-old man who died after being shot on Sunday, July 14, authorities said.  Damontey Williams, of Springfield, was found shot just before 11 p.m. in the 100 block of Massasoit Street after a ShotSpotter alert sent police to the area, the Hampden District Attorney's Office said.  Responders rushed him to Baystate Medical Center, where he died of his wounds.  Springfield police are investigating the shooting. Authorities ask anyone with information on the killing to contact detectives at 413-787-6355. 
'He Brought Tremendous Joy': Western Mass 15-Year-Old ID'd As Victim In I-91 Crash 'He Brought Tremendous Joy': Western Mass 15-Year-Old ID'd As Victim In I-91 Crash
'He Brought Tremendous Joy': Western Mass 15-Year-Old ID'd As Victim In I-91 Crash The family of the 15-year-old Berkshire County boy who was killed last week in a crash on I-91 in Springfield was a loving and giving young man who had a bright future ahead of him.  Jayden Andre, of Lee, was killed around 4:30 p.m. on July 2 near exit 5 on the interstate. Jayden was a rising junior who had finished his sophomore year at Lee Middle and High School in June, his obituary said.  His family said he loved sports, his friends, and bringing joy to others.  He always gave the best hugs and brought tremendous joy and light into our lives with his kind heart and beautiful smile. Jay…
Springfield School Security Guard An Alleged Gun Trafficker; DA Blasts Judge's Bail Ruling Springfield School Security Guard An Alleged Gun Trafficker; DA Blasts Judge's Bail Ruling
Springfield School Security Guard An Alleged Gun Trafficker; DA Blasts Judge's Bail Ruling The Hampden District Attorney slammed a judge's decision to set the bail for an alleged gun trafficker at just $10,000 after prosecutors had asked for $50,000.  Pablo Correa, 44, was arrested on July 2 and charged with six counts of carrying a firearm and ammunition without a license, five counts of possession of a large capacity firearm or feeding device, and two counts of defacing a serial number on a firearm, the district attorney's office said.  Correa serves as a security guard at the Springfield High School of Science and Technology, where he's worked since 2021. He was plac…
Teen Shot, Killed In Springfield Over Holiday Weekend ID'd; 2 Men Also Injured Teen Shot, Killed In Springfield Over Holiday Weekend ID'd; 2 Men Also Injured
Teen Shot, Killed In Springfield Over Holiday Weekend ID'd; 2 Men Also Injured Police have identified the 18-year-old woman who was shot and killed late last week following July Fourth celebrations in Springfield, authorities said. Two others were injured in the attack.  Shainn Goodson, 18, of Springfield, was found shot around 12:30 a.m. on Friday, July 5, in the area of Oswego and Niagra Streets, Springfield police said. Police also found two men at the scene who suffered minor injuries. Paramedics rushed her to Baystate Medical Center, where she later died of her injuries.  Police responded to the area after receiving a Shotspotter alert.  In…
Comedians Team With Mass Police To Raise Money For Injured Officer Comedians Team With Mass Police To Raise Money For Injured Officer
Comedians Team With Mass Police To Raise Money For Injured Officer Springfield police are partnering with local comedians to host two comedy show fundraisers for their fellow officer, who was shot in the head during an attack. The two events — one on Sunday, July 21, and one on Friday, July 26 — will benefit Officer Nestor Santos, who was attacked in the 600 block of State Street last month. Earlier Report: Springfield Police Raising Funds For Officer Seriously Wounded In Shooting The first show, hosted by comedian Jess Miller, will be held at the Portuguese Club in Ludlow, located at 149 Exchange Street. In addition to the show, a raffle and a 50/50 …
Springfield Man Guilty Of Double Murder In CT Sentenced To Life In Prison Springfield Man Guilty Of Double Murder In CT Sentenced To Life In Prison
Springfield Man Guilty Of Double Murder In CT Sentenced To Life In Prison A 25-year-old Massachusetts man who fatally shot a man in front of his pregnant girlfriend and their friend in Connecticut, in 2020 has been sentenced to life in prison, authorities said.  Gregory Crichlow, of Springfield, who was convicted in March of killing Gregory "Monte" Scott, Jr., age 24, and Jennifer Hicks, age 20, was sentenced on Thursday, June 27, the Connecticut Department of Justice said.  Police in Hartford County were called to the Buckland Hills commuter lot in the town of Manchester in the early morning of Aug. 2, 2020, to reports of a shooting. Investig…
Wanted Man Threatens To Kill Springfield Police Officers During Bust Wanted Man Threatens To Kill Springfield Police Officers During Bust
Wanted Man Threatens To Kill Springfield Police Officers During Bust A 25-year-old man wanted on gun and heroin trafficking charges made this worse for himself when police went to arrest him early Friday morning, June 28, after he threatened to kill the officers, authorities said.  Kenen Monsanto-Maldona, of Westfield, was arrested on several felonies just before 1:30 a.m. at a hookah bar in Springfield, police said.  Springfield officers spotted Monsanto-Maldona at Le Souk Hookah Lounge at 1 Worthington St. He was wanted on three outstanding warrants, authorities said.  When officers went to put in handcuffs, Monsanto-Maldona kicke…
'Barbaric Attack': 2 Men Who Burned Victim During Springfield Home Invasion Sentenced 'Barbaric Attack': 2 Men Who Burned Victim During Springfield Home Invasion Sentenced
'Barbaric Attack': 2 Men Who Burned Victim During Springfield Home Invasion Sentenced Two men found guilty of torturing and permanently disfiguring a Springfield man during a 2019 home invasion were sentenced to decades in prison on Thursday, June 27, authorities said.  Paul Gayle, 30, and Malik Erskine, 24, both of Springfield, were found guilty of multiple violent felonies in the "barbaric attack," Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. Markendall Johnson, now 21, who was charged as a youthful offender because of his age on the day of the robbery, was also convicted in the case. Gayle was sentenced to 35 to 40 years in state prison, and a judge gave …
21-Year-Old Killed In Western Mass Crash; 3 Others Hospitalized 21-Year-Old Killed In Western Mass Crash; 3 Others Hospitalized
21-Year-Old Killed In Western Mass Crash; 3 Others Hospitalized A 21-year-old man was killed over the weekend in a two-car crash in Hampshire County, authorities said.  The Monson man was involved in the crash on Route 9 near Anderson Road in Ware just before 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, the Northwestern District Attorney said. He died at the scene.  Authorities have not released his name. A second person in the car, a 20-year-old from Warren, was airlifted to UMass Medical Center in Worcester with life-threatening injuries. Two people in the other car were taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield with non-life-threatening injuries. …
Jury Finds Woman Guilty Of Fatal Stabbing In Springfield Parking Lot: DA Jury Finds Woman Guilty Of Fatal Stabbing In Springfield Parking Lot: DA
Jury Finds Woman Guilty Of Fatal Stabbing In Springfield Parking Lot: DA A 24-year-old woman was found guilty of stabbing a young Holyoke mother to death during an argument in a parking lot in Springfield, authorities said.  Leshmarie Marin-Viera, 24, of Springfield, was found guilty of manslaughter this week in the death of Sully Santiago on Jan. 29, 2023, the Hampden County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday, June 12.  The attack happened in a parking lot on Liberty Street just before 2 a.m. Paramedics rushed Santiago to Baystate Medical Center, where she later died of her wounds. It's unclear what sparked the argum…
Springfield Police Raising Funds For Officer Seriously Wounded In Shooting Springfield Police Raising Funds For Officer Seriously Wounded In Shooting
Springfield Police Raising Funds For Officer Seriously Wounded In Shooting Springfield police are asking the public to donate to help one of their own after he was shot in the head last week, which could leave him blind in one eye.  Officer Nestor Santos was seriously injured after he was attacked on Thursday, June 6, while sitting in his unmarked police car in the 600 block of State Street while on his way to work around 10:30 p.m., Springfield police authorities said.  His squad supervisor and another police officer rushed him to Baystate Medical Center, and he was later airlifted to a Boston hospital for emergency surgery. Police said a bullet st…
Springfield Officer Shot In Head May Lose Vision In 1 Eye: Police Springfield Officer Shot In Head May Lose Vision In 1 Eye: Police
Springfield Officer Shot In Head May Lose Vision In 1 Eye: Police An off-duty Springfield officer who was shot in the head and leg as he drove to work Wednesday night, June 6, may lose vision in an eye as a result of the attack.  Officer Nestor Santos was identified as the person who was seriously injured as he was attacked while sitting in his unmarked police car in the 600 block of State Street, Springfield police authorities said.  Related: 7 Arrested After Police Say They Fired At Officers, Sending 1 To ER His squad supervisor and another police officer rushed him to Baystate Medical Center, and he was later airlifted to a Boston hospital f…
Western Mass Officer Shot In Head, Other Detectives Shot At In Separate Incidents; 7 Arrested Western Mass Officer Shot In Head, Other Detectives Shot At In Separate Incidents; 7 Arrested
Western Mass Officer Shot In Head, Other Detectives Shot At In Separate Incidents; 7 Arrested A Springfield officer is recovering from a serious but not life-threatening wound he was shot in the temple while driving to work Wednesday night, June 5. Multiple other officers were also shot at in other incidents around the city.   Seven people were arrested Wednesday following the shootings after multiple officers reported being fired on just after 10:30 p.m.  Update: Police ID Officer Shot In Head; He May Lose Eyesight Someone in a Honda Civic took a shot at members of the Springfield firearms investigation unit on College Street. A short time later, a person in a …
These Mass Locales Among 20 Hottest Housing Markets In US, New Report Says These Mass Locales Among 20 Hottest Housing Markets In US, New Report Says
These Mass Locales Among 20 Hottest Housing Markets In US, New Report Says Blink and you could miss out on homes in these Massachusetts locales, among the hottest housing markets in the country, according to a new ranking. Three metro areas in the Bay State made Realtor.com’s “20 Hottest Housing Markets” list for April 2024. To come up with its ranking, the real estate website looked at two key factors in analyzing house markets: Market demand, measured by unique property views on Realtor.com, and the pace of the market, measured by how long houses are for sale. The following Massachusetts metro areas made the ranking: No. 2: Springfield. Median listing …
$2M Lottery Jackpot: Springfield Woman Lands Massive Payday $2M Lottery Jackpot: Springfield Woman Lands Massive Payday
$2M Lottery Jackpot: Springfield Woman Lands Massive Payday A woman won $2 million in the Massachusetts State Lottery after picking up her ticket in Springfield.  Vera Saykina, of Springfield, won the seven-figure sum playing the "Billion Dollar Extravaganza," a $50 scratch-off lottery ticket.  Related: Lowell Man Lands $25,000 A Year For Life She chose the lump sum payment of $1.3 million (before taxes) rather than the annuity.  Saykina bought the ticket at a Shell Mart gas station in Springfield. The store will get a $20,000 bonus for the sale.
Victims ID'd In Springfield Family Slaying; Father Charged With Murders: DA Victims ID'd In Springfield Family Slaying; Father Charged With Murders: DA
Victims ID'd In Springfield Family Slaying; Father Charged With Murders: DA Police have identified the teenage daughter and wife of a Springfield man accused of fatally stabbing them over the weekend along with attacking his new son-in-law just days after the wedding, authorities announced on Tuesday, June 4.  Nour Al Kherat, 19, and Ruwaida Salamat, 39, both of Springfield, were killed in an attack at 177 Marion Street on Sunday, June 2, the Hampden District Attorney's Office said.  Osamah Al Kherat, 46, of West Springfield, is charged with two counts of murder, armed assault to murder, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, the prosecutor…
Springfield Man ID'd As Victim In Fatal Western Mass Double Shooting Springfield Man ID'd As Victim In Fatal Western Mass Double Shooting
Springfield Man ID'd As Victim In Fatal Western Mass Double Shooting A double shooting in Hampden County over the weekend sent one man to the hospital and another man to the morgue after an argument turned violent, authorities announced on Monday, June 3.  David Rivera, 31, of Springfield, was identified as the man who was killed in the shooting early Saturday morning in Holyoke, the Hampden County District Attorney's Office said.  Police were called to the 400 block of High Street around 2 a.m. to reports of a shooting during an argument. They found one victim suffering non-life-threatening injuries.  Paramedics took him to Baystate Medical …
Man Busted In Fatal Shooting In Springfield Man Busted In Fatal Shooting In Springfield
Man Busted In Fatal Shooting In Springfield A 62-year-old man has been charged with the fatal shooting over the weekend in Springfield, authorities said.  Juan Rivera, of Springfield, was charged with murder in the Saturday, June 1, slaying, the Hampden District Attorney's Office said.  Police were alerted to the fatal shooting just after 10:15 p.m. in the 400 block of Central Street after receiving a ShotSpotter alert. They arrived to find a man bleeding from a gunshot wound.  Paramedics rushed him to Baystate Medical Center, where he died of his injuries, the prosecutor said.   Authorities have not releas…
Woman Hit, Killed Walking In Springfield Woman Hit, Killed Walking In Springfield
Woman Hit, Killed Walking In Springfield A woman was hit and killed on Monday morning, June 3, as she walked along a road in Springfield.  The crash was reported around 4:30 a.m. in the 300 block of Wilbraham Road, Springfield police said. The woman died at the scene. Her name was not released as police reached out to her next of kin.  The driver stayed at the scene and spoke with police, investigators said.  No charges have been filed, but police are investigating the cause of the fatal crash.  This is a developing story. Check back with the Daily Voice for updates.