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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Dalton Board Reviews Draft AI, Social Media Policies

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — Artificial intelligence is becoming a topic of discussion at several governmental agencies across the state, and has now come before the Select Board.
 
The board reviewed draft policies on artificial intelligence and social media usage at its Monday meeting. No vote was taken, as the drafts will first be reviewed by the town's attorney.
 
During the discussion, questions arose about clarifying vague language and understanding what state law permits regarding free speech on social media. These concerns will be reviewed by town counsel. 
 
The artificial intelligence policy aims to set clear standards guiding town employees, officials, and departments to use AI tools responsibly, legally, and securely.
 
The policy emphasizes that AI tools can assist, not replace, professional judgment for tasks including drafting preliminary documents such as memos, policies, and communications; summarizing public documents; providing research assistance; organizing and analyzing data; transcribing public meetings; and translation services.  
 
"The basic concept is you never want to take what's generated at face value without checking," Town Manager Eric Anderson said. 
 
The personnel using the generative "artificial intelligence" tool are required to review it to ensure the content is accurate, he said. 
 
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