3 Found Guilty in Asiyanna Jones Murder

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Three people have been convicted on charges related to the 2017 murder of Asiyanna Jones.
 
After a week and a half trial in Berkshire Superior Court, the jury returned guilty verdicts against Gary Linen, Carey Pilot, and Elizabeth Perez for the Oct. 2, 2017, shooting on Dewey Avenue. 
 
The jury found Linen guilty of murder, Pilot of manslaughter, and Perez for misleading police in the homicide investigation. Judge John Agostini scheduled sentencing for Wednesday.
 
"I send my condolences to Ms. Jones' family and friends for their tragic loss and hope these convictions give them some satisfaction. I thank the jurors for their careful deliberation of the facts," District Attorney Andrea Harrington said. "I also thank Special Prosecutor [Brett] Vottero, the lead prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Joseph Yorlano, who assisted, and First Assistant Karen Bell, who oversaw their work on the case. 
 
"Attorney Vottero has handled more than 75 other homicides during his two decades of service to the commonwealth, and his
expertise was key to securing these convictions."
 
Pilot, 50, and Linen, 42, engaged in a gunfight on Dewey Avenue on Oct. 2, 2017, and a bullet struck Jones, 22, who was inside a car. Jones died at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield the following day. 
 
Perez, 30, lied to police during the investigation.
 
The Pittsfield Police Department, with assistance from the state police detective unit assigned to the District Attorney's Office, Berkshire County Sheriff's Department, the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force, State Police Crime Scene Services, and State Police Firearms Identification Section conducted the investigation.

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Pride Month Preview: 'Every Day is Pride' in Berkshire County

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — This is the 10th season of Berkshire Pride celebrations, and the nonprofit has declared "Every Day is Pride."

Pride Month begins on June 1, and Berkshire Pride has lined up programming all month to celebrate and support the LGBTQ-plus community.  The flagship event, a parade and festival at The Common on June 20 beginning at 11 a.m., will be preceded by several events around the county for all ages. 

Officially established as a nonprofit in 2017, Berkshire Pride offers resources, programs, events, advocacy, and community building year-round for the queer community to feel supported in their identities. 

"During the month of June, a series of flagship events in Pittsfield, supported by North Adams, Lee
and Lenox will foster connection, visibility, and joy, reinforcing the region’s commitment to an inclusive future. As resilience becomes a bold declaration, Berkshire Pride commemorates its 10th anniversary affirming 'Every Day is Pride,'" President Michael Taylor wrote in a press release. 

"Building on a decade of representation and community support, the Berkshire Pride festival has become a regional highlight, recognized in 2025 as one of the standout community events of the year ensuring that LGBTQ-plus identity is celebrated from the northern peaks to the southern hills."

Nearing the start of Pride Month on Saturday, May 30, Mayor Peter Marchetti will lead a Pride flag-raising proclamation at City Hall, and the Community Partner of the Year Award will be presented.  School Street will then come alive for a Pride kick-off block party with music by DJ Pup Daddy, games, food by Brazzuca's, and beverages from Hot Plate Brewing Co.

Last year, the City Council voted unanimously to declare Pittsfield a sanctuary for transgender and gender diverse individuals in response to executive orders made by President Donald Trump declaring only two sexes and targeting gender-affirming care.

Berkshire Pride on Tuesday announced that the Elizabeth Freeman Center was selected as the 2026 Community Partner of the Year because of its "outstanding commitment" to supporting and uplifting LGBTQ-plus individuals and families throughout Berkshire County.

Greylock Federal Credit Union was given the award last year

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