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Western Mass Man Pleads Guilty To Killing His Roommate, Sentenced To Life In Prison

A 27-year-old Massachusetts man admitted in court on Wednesday, Sept. 25, that he fatally stabbed his roommate two years ago, authorities said. 

prison fence

prison fence

Photo Credit: Canva/pictorius

Devin Bryden, 27, of Northampton, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the slaying of Jana Abromowitz, 21, in July 2022 the Northwestern District Attorney said. A judge sentenced him to life in prison. 

Bryden was accused of stabbing Abromowitz at their shared home at 11 Hatfield St. after a friend found the woman's body after she didn't show up for work, the prosecutor said. Bryden also pleaded guilty to armed robbery and tampering with evidence. 

Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Joseph Webber said the state had a solid case for first-degree murder but allowed Bryden to plead to a lesser charge to spare Abromowitz's loved ones a lengthy trial. 

Webber added that Bryden could be up for parole in 35 to 40 years, but he will remain on parole for the rest of his life if he does ever get out. 

Prosecutors thanked Abromowitz's friends for their help in the investigation, particularly Raul Mendez for his "heroic" actions after finding her body. 

Abromowitz's mother said she was happy to see the case come to an end. 

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