Life Sentence Imposed in Asiyanna Jones Murder

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Gary Linen, 42, has been sentenced to life in state prison in the murder of Asiyanna Jones.
 
Lengthy state prison sentences were handed down by Judge John Agostini on Wednesday for those responsible for the death of of the 22-year-old Jones.
 
In addition to Linen, Carey Pilot was sentenced to serve 15 to 20 years in state prison for manslaughter, and Elizabeth Perez to serve two to four years in state prison for misleading a police officer in the homicide investigation.
 
The commonwealth had requested sentences of the statutorily required life in prison for Linen, 18 to 20 years in prison for Pilot, and a significant state prison sentence for misleading a police officer during a homicide investigation for Perez. Defense attorneys requested life for Linen, four to six years for Pilot, and a two-and-a-half-year split sentence at the House of Correction for Perez.
 
Last week, a jury returned the guilty verdicts in the Oct. 2, 2017, shooting death. Pilot, 50, and Linen, 42, engaged in a gunfight on Dewey Avenue in Pittsfield on that evening and a bullet struck Jones, who was inside a car. Perez, 30, lied to police during the investigation.
 
"I thank Asiyanna Jones' family for their powerful victim witness statements they delivered in court today and I am proud of the trial team for their meticulous work in obtaining these convictions," District Attorney Andrea Harrington said.
 
The Pittsfield Police Department with assistance from the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, Berkshire County Sheriff's Department, the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force, Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services and Massachusetts 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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