PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Bruce Romano, 31, of Pittsfield pled guilty in Berkshire Superior Court on Friday to a single count of manslaughter for his role in the Oct. 15, 2018, killing of William Catalano.
Judge John Agostini sentenced Romano to serve 12 to 15 years in state prison.
Romano is the third and last defendant responsible for Catalano's death. The Berkshire District Attorney's Office previously secured a life sentence for Jason Sefton, who stabbed Catalano multiple times during the attack. Sefton pled guilty to murder on Dec. 1, 2021.
Co-defendant Anthony Boone pled guilty on Feb. 10, 2020, to a single count of manslaughter. Agostini also sentenced him to serve 12 to 15 years in state prison for his role in the homicide.
"I send my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Catalano's family, friends, and everyone who is devastated by this tragic loss. Mr. Catalano was a beloved and cherished member of our community and will always be remembered for bringing joy to the world. I hope these convictions bring Mr. Catalano's family some closure and supports their healing," District Attorney Andrea Harrington said.
Romano was one of the three individuals who attacked Catalano outside Robbins Avenue. Romano and Boone both physically assaulted Catalano while Sefton stabbed him. Emergency medical services transported Catalano to Berkshire Medical Center, where he subsequently died because of the two stab wounds to his chest.
The Pittsfield Police Department, with assistance from the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, forensic scientists from the State Police Crime Laboratory, and the Berkshire County Sheriff's Department investigated the homicide.
"I thank the Pittsfield Police Department and the State Police for their thorough and diligent investigation into this senseless attack," Harrington said.
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Weekend Outlook: Fresh Start
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
Check out the events happening this weekend, including hiking, volunteering, fundraisers, and more.
Editor's Pick
First Friday
Downtown North Adams
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
The new year is here so kick it off with music, art, and games that will fill downtown North Adams for its First Friday event, themed "Fresh Start."
Participating businesses will have extended hours and many galleries will host openings, closings, and other special events.
Future Labs Gallery All Members Reception
43 Eagle St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
View artwork by more than 40 Future Labs Gallery member artists. More information here.
Collaged Coasters for Tweens and Teens
Milne Public Library Williamstown
Time: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
"Decompress and Decoupage." Decoupage is the art of applying a collage of paper onto a surface. Make collage wooden coasters whether it's a gift or a piece of art to hang on your wall. More information here.
Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 p.m.
Sing your heart out while supporting the local American Legion Post. More information here.
Joni Mitchell Tribute Band Performance
17 Main St., South Egremont
Time: 8 p.m.
Big Yellow Taxi, a Joni Mitchell tribute band, will perform many of Mitchell's popular songs.
Help raise money for the girls and boys basketball program by playing a game of musical bingo. More information here.
Lecture by Former Peace Corps Volunteers
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 2 p.m.
Two former Peace Corps volunteers Eduardo and Edmundo tell their story of collecting used equipment from the Berkshires and shipping it to Honduras. More information here.
Tracking Winter Wildlife for Beginners
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Time: 11 a.m.
Take a beginner-friendly walk through fields and forests to search for tracks, scat, and signs of the delicate but exciting interactions between predators and their prey.
With any luck, you will find signs of coyotes, foxes, deer, rabbits, and more. Tickets are $15 for Mass Auburn members and $20 for non-members.
'The Princess and the Frog' Screening
Milne Public Library, Williamstown
Time: 1 p.m.
Bring your family to the library for a free screening of the Disney classic, "The Princess and the Frog." Enjoy popcorn and to be more sustainable bring your own bowl.
Welcome the New Year by celebrating with others at events marking the beginning of 2026, including live music, skiing, fireworks, and numerous parties.
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