The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office recognizes that there must be limits to pretrial detention, implemented policies to limit the number of individuals held on low-level charges, and is now working with the court to safely resume jury trials to bring defendants to justice as soon as possible.
Video Connect sessions are offered throughout the day and available for incarcerated individuals to use on seven terminals that are appropriately spaced for social distancing in the facility contact visitor room, which is no longer being used for in-person visitations.
In the last year, the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office expanded its reach in providing victim services by increasing the availability of advocates to the community, adding diversity to the staff, hiring a Spanish speaking advocate, conducting community outreach discussions, and launching a new Victim Witness Advocate information line.
"I thank my colleagues in Hampden and Northwestern for partnering with us in these discussions with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield to protect victims and the community." - Berkshire DIstrict Attorney Andrea Harrington
A team of 10 victim witness advocates at the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office work to inform and enforce victims’ rights across the county and are available in each criminal court.
Investigators did not find evidence suggesting any alcohol or drugs were involved. Preliminary evidence suggests speed may have been a contributing factor.
The office will be closed to all non-BDAO staff members. Any necessary meetings or interviews will be held via teleconference or at outside locations.Â
The redacted documents, including multiple witness statements and documentary evidence, provide never-before-seen details of the marriage of Luke Karpinski and Justine Wilbur.
After securing the scene, investigators found the body of one adult with a fatal crossbow injury inside the apartment, along with an unharmed child in a nearby room.
The book is ultimately a manifesto that turns a regressive notion about the causes of domestic violence on its head by illustrating domestic violence as a public health problem with solutions.
