Pittsfield (PRESS RELEASE) — On Tuesday, March 17, a Berkshire County Superior Court jury found Matthew Tucker and Cassandra Barlow-Tucker, of Adams, guilty of involuntary manslaughter and reckless child endangerment in connection with the death of their 10-month-old foster child.
The defendants were charged in connection with the death, which occurred on February 18, 2020. Evidence presented at trial showed that the child died after the defendants failed to seek medical treatment despite clear and obvious signs that he required care.
The Medical Examiner determined that the child died from complications of a strep infection, bronchopneumonia, and empyema. Medical experts testified at trial that these conditions are routinely treatable with timely medical care.
The six-day trial included testimony from 14 witnesses. After approximately two and a half hours of deliberation, the jury returned guilty verdicts against both defendants on charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless child endangerment.
Assistant District Attorneys Andrew Covington and Stephanie Jimenez prosecuted the case as special prosecutors from the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office because of a conflict of interest. Kellie Beaulieu served as the victim-witness advocate.
“The child should be celebrating his seventh birthday next month. Instead, he died at just 10 months old because the defendants, his foster parents, failed to seek medical treatment despite clear and obvious signs that he needed care,” said Covington. “As special prosecutors assigned to this case, we felt a duty to see the matter through and ensure accountability.”
Matthew Tucker was represented by Attorney Jillian Sheldon of Pittsfield. Cassandra Barlow-Tucker was represented by Attorney Jacqueline Dutton of the Committee for Public Counsel Services. Superior Court Judge Tracy Duncan presided over the case.
Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, at 11 a.m. in Berkshire County Superior Court. Involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in state prison and reckless child endangerment carries a maximum sentence of up to two and a half years in the House of Correction.
“The Commonwealth would like to thank State Police Detective Lieutenant Ryan Dickinson and Detective Michael Wandrei from the Adams Police Department for their thorough investigation,” Covington said.
