Juvenile Arrested In Adams Homicide
The information below is from a press release sent from the Berkshire Districts Office.
Authorities arrested a juvenile for homicide in the death of Benjamin Martinez, 34, of Springfield. The State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, Adams Police, North Adams Police, and the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office investigated the suspicious death of Martinez in an apartment at 1 East Hoosac Street in Adams.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner preliminarily determined Martinez’s death a homicide by gunshot. Law enforcement’s investigation established the juvenile as the shooter.
The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office is not releasing the identity of the juvenile because of the defendant’s age.
State Police in Springfield arrested the juvenile late Friday evening. The juvenile is facing a first-degree murder charge. Northern Berkshire District Court will perform the arraignment on Monday.
Authorities responded to the address at approximately 9:08 Thursday evening based on a call from an individual finding Martinez’s body. Adams Ambulance paramedics confirmed Martinez’s death upon arrival.
District Attorney Andrea Harrington said.
“I send my deep condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Martinez for their loss, I thank the detectives for their meticulous work over the last four days to quickly solve this crime and bring the suspect into custody.”
Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington’s office serves all 32 cities and towns in Berkshire County. The office represents the Commonwealth in more than 7,500 criminal cases per year in Berkshire Superior Court, three district courts, three juvenile courts, Massachusetts Appeals Court, and Supreme Judicial Court. The office works closely with the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force, and collaborates with local police departments across the county. A dedicated staff of more than 50 prioritizes public safety, empowering victims and witnesses through services and support, and building a safe community for everyone and especially the most vulnerable.