PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Supreme Judicial Court upheld the conviction of 37-year-old Caius Veiovis for murder and kidnapping.

 

Veiovis was one of three men convicted in the murder of David Glasser, Edward Frampton, and Robert Chadwell in 2011. Veiovis had appealed his consecutive life sentences on three counts of murder in the first degree, three counts of kidnapping, and three counts of intimidation of a witness or other person. He was given a life sentence without parole on the murder charges and concurrent eight to 10 years on the other charges.

 

On Wednesday, the court upheld the conviction.

 

"We are pleased with the decision and happy for the family and friends of David Glasser, Edward Frampton and Robert Chadwell. We had always been confident that Caius Veiovis was justly convicted, on significant evidence that was fairly presented, and that the jurors were correct in their verdicts," District Attorney David Capeless said.

 

"Much praise goes to the many investigators from across the County who worked ceaselessly to develop the complicated web of circumstantial evidence that was necessary to bring Veiovis to final justice. The citizens of Berkshire County should be both proud and reassured by their dedication, professionalism, and commitment."

---

Original posting, July 17, 2017, 11:33 p.m.: ADAMS, Mass. — A body was removed from the Mount Greylock State Reservation early Monday evening.

 

The body was apparently discovered by a hiker near the Cheshire Harbor Trail in the late afternoon, according to state police. Further inquiries were referred to the district attorney's office. 

 

State police detectives assigned to the Berkshire district attorney's office and Crime Scene services responded to the scene, as did a state medical examiner. 

 

Adams Forest Wardens and Adams Ambulance Service were also called to the trailhead off West Mountain Road in Adams to assist as needed. A quad all-terrain vehicle was brought to the site to help with the removal, according to scanner reports. 

 

No further information was immediately available. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The city has seen two stabbings within one week and police have made arrests in both cases. 

 

The first occured on Monday, July 10, when a man was stabbed near the former Price Chopper parking lot on State Road at about 11:45 p.m.  Police reported that the victim appeared to have puncture wounds to his abdomen. He identified his attacker as Jamie Garcia, who had run into the woods toward Massachusetts Avenue. 

 

State Trooper Matt Baird and his K9, Caber, responded to a request for assistance in the search. Caber was able to quickly locate and apprehend Garcia, who was hiding in thick overgrowth just off the railroad tracks on Mass Ave.

 

He was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, a knife, and was held on $8,500 bail. The victim was reported in good condition.

 

The second incident occurred on Friday, July 14, at approximately 11:30 p.m., when a pizza delivery person was stabbed multiple times, reportedly in an attempted robbery. 

 

The victim, Charles Sauer of North Adams, was located in his vehicle in the area of 394 Union St. with wounds to his chest and abdomen. Sauer was delivering pizza for Dominos at the time the incident occurred. He was able to identify his assailant as Travis Perras of North Adams while being assisted by first responding officers.

 

Sauer was transported to Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, where his condition was initially listed as critical. However the last update received, his condition has improved to stable condition.

 

Perras was located in a residence not far from the crime scene and taken into custody a short time later. He is charged with armed assault with intent to murder, armed robbery while masked, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Perras is now being held at the Berkshire County House of Corrections on $75,000 cash bail.

 

The information on these cases was not released until July 16 until the the investigation was completed, said police, so as not to compromise evidence gathering.

CHARLOTTE, Vt. — A Pittsfield, Mass. man apparently drowned Saturday at the Point Bay Marina.

 

Vermont State Police said the body of David Clement, 64, of Pittsfield, Mass. was found some 30 feet from shore, where his boat was idling near the docks. Police say Clement was returning to his slip at the marina when he fell into the water and drowned. Police responded to the scene after a report that his boat was abandoned near the docks.

 

Police say the investigation remains open is asking for anyone with information or was in contact with Clement that day to contact Vermont State Police.

Cases heard before Judge John Agostini on Monday, July 10.

 

George Bliss Jr., 31, of Pittsfield pleaded guilty to five counts of armed robbery in connection with a series of robberies in Pittsfield between January 7, 2016 and January 24, 2016.

 

He was ordered to serve concurrent two and a half to four years at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Cedar Junction.

 

A single count of armed robbery was dismissed by the state.

 

Cases heard before Judge John Agostini on Tuesday, July 11.

 

Derrick Saunders Jr., 22, of Pittsfield pleaded guilty to single counts of illegal possession of a large capacity feeding device, illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a loaded firearm, possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card, and possession of counterfeit notes.

 

He was ordered to serve concurrent two and a half to three years at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Cedar Junction on the illegal possession of a large capacity feeding device and illegal possession of a firearm. He was given concurrent time on the possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card and possession of counterfeit notes. The illegal possession of a firearm charge was placed on file.

 

The charges stem from a motor vehicle stop in Pittsfield on December 12, 2016.

 

Bryan Raney, 30, of Pittsfield had not guilty pleas entered on his behalf on two counts of rape and one count of indecent assault and battery on a person who has attained age 14.

 

He was released on personal recognizance. The incidents allegedly occurred in Pittsfield on May 5, 2017 and the alleged victim is a 28-year-old woman.

 

Cases heard before Judge John Agostini on Wednesday, July 12.

 

Brian Ducksworth, 26, of Hartford, Conn. pleaded guilty to single counts of possession of heroin with intent to distribute and conspiracy to violate drug laws in connection with the execution of a search warrant on Jackson Street in North Adams on December 15, 2015.

 

He pleaded guilty to single counts of possession of heroin with intent to distribute and conspiracy to violate drug laws in relation to the execution of a search warrant on West Shaft Road in North Adams on July 26, 2016.

 

Ducksworth was ordered to serve concurrent two and a half years at the Berkshire County House of Correction on the 2016 charges and placed on probation for two years on the others.

 

Amanda Swift, 23, of Plymouth pleaded guilty to single counts of attempted arson of a dwelling house and burning personal property.

 

The charges were continued without a finding. Swift attempted to set fire to Barton's Crossing in Pittsfield on April 18, 2016.