Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni

06/23/2026

Hampden District Attorney Concludes Investigation into December 2025 Officer-Involved Shooting Death of Dennis Girard

June 23, 2026 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni has released the findings of his office’s investigation into the December 20, 2025, shooting death of Dennis Girard at a residence on Worcester Street in Springfield. After a comprehensive review of all available evidence – including body-worn camera footage, witness interviews, surveillance video, 911 recordings, police reports, and autopsy and toxicology results – District Attorney Gulluni has concluded that the actions taken by the Springfield Police Officers involved were reasonable, justified, and lawful.

Officers responded to a 911 call reporting that a man who had ingested mushrooms was experiencing a mental health crisis, had jumped from a window, and was actively harming himself with a knife. Upon arriving at the residence, officers were informed that the individual was inside the home and cutting his throat with a knife. Officers entered the residence and encountered Girard seated on a bed holding a knife and covered in blood.

Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, Girard refused to comply and continued harming himself. One officer deployed his department-issued taser multiple times while continuing to order Girard to drop the knife. After falling backward onto the bed, Girard still refused to release the weapon. As an officer moved in to place him in handcuffs, Girard suddenly swung the knife toward the officer. A second officer then discharged a single round from his department-issued firearm, striking Girard.

Girard was immediately handcuffed and officers began life-saving measures while awaiting emergency medical personnel. He was later pronounced deceased. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be gunshot wounds of the torso and left upper extremity, with sharp force injuries to the neck identified as a contributing factor.

The District Attorney’s Office communicated with Girard’s loved ones throughout the investigation. Prior to the public release of these findings, District Attorney Gulluni and members of his team met with the family to discuss the results of the investigation. “A loss of life is always a tragedy and our sympathies remain with Mr. Girard’s family and loved ones,” said Gulluni.

“The officers were responding to a call for help and made repeated efforts to resolve the situation through verbal commands and less-than-lethal force,” Gulluni continued. “When Girard swung a knife toward an officer, an immediate threat was presented, and the officer’s response was reasonable, justified, and lawful.”

The full investigative report, which includes detailed findings of fact and legal analysis, can be found at the link below.

Hampden District Attorney Concludes Investigation into December 2025 Officer-Involved Shooting Death of Dennis Girard June 23, 2026 News, Official Reports June 23, 2026 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni has released the findings of his office’s investi...

06/22/2026

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni recently joined Western Mass News’ Getting Answers to discuss recent cases, state-level bail reform, social host liability, and more.

Thank you Western Mass News for inviting DA Gulluni to share these important public safety issues affecting our community.

To watch the full interview, visit https://youtu.be/rq5Z8mqmoqA?si=rtCJSkhr2nO_v4eM

06/19/2026

Man Found Deceased Following Multi-Agency Investigation at Holyoke Motel

June 17, 2026 – Holyoke, Massachusetts — The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the Holyoke Police Department and Hartford Connecticut Police Department, investigated the death of a Connecticut man at a Holyoke motel on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

At approximately 8 a.m., investigators were notified that a vehicle sought in connection with a homicide investigation in Hartford, Connecticut, had been located at a motel in Holyoke. The vehicle was initially observed by an off-duty Massachusetts State Police dispatcher who recognized it while driving home from work and reported the sighting to authorities. The vehicle, a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander, had been identified by the Hartford Police Department as being associated with Chad Petitpas, 46, of Uncasville, Connecticut.

Investigators from multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the motel and reviewed surveillance footage, which showed Petitpas arriving at the property during the early morning hours and entering a room. Through the course of the investigation, law enforcement personnel confirmed Petitpas remained inside the room.

Due to the nature of the Hartford homicide investigation and information indicating Petitpas may be armed, authorities established a perimeter around the motel and closed a portion of Northampton Street to protect the public. The Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations (STOP) Team and Crisis Negotiation Team were requested to respond.

Negotiators established communication with Petitpas and remained in contact with him for several hours. During those conversations, Petitpas made statements indicating he intended to harm himself.

After extensive efforts to persuade Petitpas to surrender peacefully, members of the STOP Team entered the motel room during the afternoon hours. Petitpas was located inside the room suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered at the scene.

The investigation remains ongoing.

06/17/2026

Defendant Arraigned in Connection with June 12 Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation

June 17, 2026 – Springfield, Massachusetts – A Springfield man was arraigned Monday, June 15, 2026, in Springfield District Court in connection with an officer-involved shooting that occurred on June 12 in the area of 159 Massachusetts Ave. in Springfield.

Donte Davidson, 26, of Springfield, was arraigned on charges of armed assault with intent to murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, malicious destruction of a motor vehicle, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, and possession of ammunition without an FID card. He is currently being held without the right to bail pending a dangerousness hearing pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, Section 58A, scheduled for June 25.

Preliminary investigation indicates members of the Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit were conducting an investigation when shots were fired at troopers. A Massachusetts State Police cruiser was struck by gunfire, and troopers discharged their service weapons in response.

Davidson sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Baystate Medical Center for treatment. No law enforcement personnel were injured.

The incident remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office in conjunction with the Springfield Police Department.

As the matter remains an active investigation, no additional information is being released at this time.

06/16/2026

William Parker Sentenced to State Prison Following R**e Convictions

June 16, 2026 – Springfield, Massachusetts – William Parker, 65, formerly of Agawam, was sentenced on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Hampden Superior Court after the Court found him guilty of three counts of aggravated r**e of child, four counts of indecent assault and battery on a person under 14 years, one count of posing a child in a state of nudity, and dissemination of matter harmful to minors.

A judge sentenced Parker to 12 to 14 years in state prison for the three counts of aggravated r**e of a child, 10 to 12 years concurrently for one count of photographing/posing a child in state of nudity, and three years’ probation for remaining counts following his conviction by the jury on June 2, 2026. The Commonwealth had requested 16 to 18 years to state prison and three years’ probation after incarceration with conditions. The defense had requested the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to state prison.

When the victim was between 7 and 11 years old, the defendant committed sexual abuse acts on the child on several different occasions, took a photo of them without clothes, and showed them pornographic videos. The events were reported by the victim years later to a friend, and ultimately to the Agawam Police Department.

Following an investigation by Detective Adam Howe of the Agawam Police Department and a forensic interview of the victim, Parker was indicted in Hampden Superior Court on November 13, 2023. Parker was arraigned on the charges on December 7, 2023.

The case was tried over three days, resulting in the various convictions on June 2, 2026. At the sentencing, the victim submitted a victim impact statement to the court detailing the effect the crime has had on their life.

“My office will pursue cases in which children are harmed with the utmost vigor,” said Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “I thank our great team, especially ADA Amy Wilson, for their hard work and unrelenting spirit in fighting for child victims. I also commend the victim for their extraordinary courage in coming forward and speaking about how these crimes affected their life. Their voice was heard, and their bravery played a critical role in securing justice.”

The Commonwealth was represented by Assistant District Attorney Amy D. Wilson and Victim Witness Advocate Rebecca Kenniston.

06/13/2026

District Attorney’s Office Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting in Springfield

June 13, 2026 – Springfield, Massachusetts – The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney's Office in conjunction with the Springfield Police Department are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred at approximately 7 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, in the area of 159 Massachusetts Ave. in Springfield.

Preliminary investigation indicates members of the Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit were conducting an investigation when shots were fired at the troopers. A Massachusetts State Police cruiser was struck by gunfire, and troopers discharged their service weapons in response.

One individual sustained injuries that are believed to be non-life threatening and was transported to Baystate Medical Center for treatment. A second individual is in custody. Investigators are actively working to locate an additional individual believed to have been involved in the incident.

No law enforcement personnel were injured.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

06/12/2026

More moments from yesterday’s Forfeiture Community Support Program grant ceremony at the Springfield Boys & Girls Club.

This year, the Hampden District Attorney’s Office awarded $119,700 to 32 nonprofit organizations serving communities across Hampden County. These organizations work every day to support youth, strengthen neighborhoods, assist victims, promote wellness, and create opportunities for residents throughout our region.

Thank you to each of our nonprofit partners for the work you do to make Hampden County a stronger, safer, and more connected community. We are proud to support your efforts.

06/11/2026

District Attorney’s Office Awards $119,700 to 32 Community Organizations Through Forfeiture Community Support Program

June 11, 2026 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni today announced the distribution of $119,700 in community support grants to 32 nonprofit organizations serving residents throughout Hampden County through the District Attorney’s Office Forfeiture Community Support Program.

The grants were presented during a ceremony hosted by the Springfield Boys & Girls Club. This year, the District Attorney’s Office received 54 applications for funding, the highest number in the program’s history, reflecting both the growing need for community-based services and the strong interest in the program.

While there has been recent public discussion surrounding a large forfeiture judgment obtained by the District Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners, forfeiture proceeds are distributed according to Massachusetts law among multiple agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution process. Additionally, forfeiture funds are not immediately available for community grants following a judgment.

The funding awarded through this year’s Forfeiture Community Support Program comes from proceeds already available to the District Attorney’s Office. Given the unprecedented level of interest this year, the office worked carefully to maximize the impact of these dollars and support as many worthwhile community initiatives as possible.

“The purpose of this program is simple: to take resources connected to criminal activity and put them back to work for the people and communities most impacted by it,” said District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “These organizations provide critical services, opportunities, and support to residents across Hampden County. We are proud to partner with them and invest in programs that help create stronger, safer communities.”

Under Massachusetts law, assets forfeited through certain drug-related investigations may be redirected to support community programs and initiatives that benefit local residents.

Gulluni also thanked the Springfield Boys & Girls Club for hosting the event and recognized CEO Vincent Borello, COO Chiarina Sarno, and the organization’s staff for their hospitality and partnership.

The following organizations received 2026 Forfeiture Community Support Program grants:
• African Diaspora Mental Health Association
• Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Center Community Center
• Central City Gym
• Collectively Recognizing Empowerment Within (CREW)
• Criminal Justice Organization of Hampden County / Springfield Safe Neighborhood Initiative
• Darrell Lee Jenkins Jr. Resource Center
• East Springfield Neighborhood Council
• Embodied Leadership Project
• Friends of Libertas Academy Charter School
• Gray House
• Greater Holyoke YMCA
• Hope for Youth and Families
• Kane’s Krusade
• Mason Square C3
• Mission, Inc.
• Women of Color Health Equity Collective
• Neighborhood Generals Youth Football and Cheer
• Paper City Basketball Club
• Paper City Futbol
• Parent Villages
• Performance Project
• ReGreen Springfield
• Salvation Army
• Springfield Boys & Girls Club
• Springfield Cultural Partnership
• Springfield Rescue Mission
• Springfield Together
• Strong Young Minds Youth Development
• Westfield Police Cadets
• YMCA of Greater Springfield
• YWCA of Western Massachusetts

The Forfeiture Community Support Program provides funding to nonprofit organizations whose work aligns with efforts to strengthen neighborhoods, expand opportunities for youth and families, improve public safety, and enhance quality of life throughout Hampden County.

06/10/2026

DA’s Office Shares ‘NetSmartz’ Presentation with Center School Students

June 10, 2026 – Chicopee, Massachusetts – Students in grades 1-5 at Center School in Chicopee received a lesson in “NetSmartz” on Tuesday, June 2, consisting of internet and real-world safety concepts.

Staff from the Hampden District Attorney’s Community Safety & Outreach (CSO) Unit were joined by Youth Advisory Board (YAB) member Nava Berezin, a rising junior at Wilbraham & Monson Academy, to share the presentation and encourage students’ participation through helpful hints and discussion questions.

Berezin asked the students important questions, such as “should we be sharing private information online,” to which the student’s shouted, “no!”

She went on to ask for examples of private information. Some of the answers were your address, and school you attend – both of which should never be shared online with strangers. Berezin also emphasized the point of not meeting people from the internet face-to-face.

Following the presentation, Community Safety & Outreach Deputy Director Gina Anslemo explained that while it is good to make friends at school, it’s not good to make friends with people from the internet.

Anselmo reiterated what it means to use good “netiquette,” which includes being nice online and using kind words. She added that this translates to out of school as well – harping on the point of always being kind to everyone.

“Online safety is just as important as safety in our communities,” said Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “NetSmartz helps give students the knowledge and tools they need to make smart decisions and stay safe in today’s digital world.”

The NetSmartz presentation is one of many free programs the Hampden District Attorney’s Office offers to promote education, prevention, and youth empowerment across the county. The office regularly collaborates with schools and community partners to support the health and safety of young people.

For more information about the NetSmartz presentation, or to request a presentation at your school, contact Hampden District Attorney’s Office Deputy Director of Community Safety & Outreach Gina Anselmo at [email protected].

06/09/2026

Last week, DA Gulluni hosted a luncheon honoring this year’s Youth Advisory Board leaders — students who helped guide the various groups that make up the Youth Advisory Board.

Thank you for your hard work, leadership, and dedication throughout the past year. Your efforts have made a meaningful impact on your peers and communities. To our graduating seniors, congratulations and best wishes as you begin your next chapter. We look forward to seeing all that you accomplish!