NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— A 26-year-old city woman has been arrested in the murder of grandmother.
Police arrested Kelsie Cote on Friday evening in the death of 74-year-old Doris Cote of Church Street.
Authorities had initially described the incident as an "unattended death" but had declined to provide further information. Police had been at Cote's home Wednesday and Thursday, finally leaving late Thursday afternoon.
It had been rumored Cote's body had been found by a granddaughter.
Kelsie Cote is expected to be arraigned on Monday in Northern Berkshire District Court on charges of murder, assault with intent to murder, and destruction of evidence.
According to the District Attorney's Office, North Adams Police responded to a 911 call on Tuesday from a relative of Doris Cote reporting finding her deceased inside her Church Street home, where Cote had lived with her late husband for nearly 50 years. Her husband, Ray, died in February.
The State Police Detective Unit assigned to the District Attorney's Office and the North Adams Police established probable cause that Kelsie Cote murdered her grandmother on the evening of Oct. 31 and attempted to destroy evidence of the crime.
"I send my heartfelt condolences to Doris Cote's family and friends for their tragic loss, and I thank the North Adams Police and the Massachusetts State Police for their work on this investigation," District Attorney Andrea Harrington said.
Additionally, the State Police Crime Scene Services, State Police chemists, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner responded to the scene.
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North Adams Council Recognizes Special Olympian, OKs Account Transfers
By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
Jenna Thomas has participated in the Special Olympics for more than 20 years, earning numerous medals.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Special Olympian Jenna Thomas was recognized at City Council on Tuesday for her medal-winning performance at the 2026 games last month in Minnesota.
"I think it's so appropriate as I'm about to proclaim Disabilities Pride Month that we recognize and honor Jenna," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who had Thomas join her at the podium."
Thomas was one of nearly 3,000 athletes who participated in the 2026 Special Olympics, which brought nearly 3,000 athletes from across the country to celebrate the talents, determinations, and achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities. She won bronze as a member of the Berkshire County Arc Titans bowling team, a fourth in doubles with teammate Katherine Meunier and placed in the top 10 for singles nationally.
She's been participating in Special Olympics since her teenage years, competing in cross country skiing, track and field since 2009. Thomas switched to bowling in 2019 and has won gold; she was recognized by the mayor in 2023 for her athletic accomplishments representing Massachusetts and North Adams.
"Look at how beautiful that is — a bronze medal in bowling and placed fourth in the doubles competition, demonstrating her dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship on the national stage," said the mayor. "She also got to meet the governor's partner, Joanna [Lydgate], who we went out with for ice cream. ...
"In returning home, she credited her participation to the friendships she's made and the joy of competing ... her accomplishments are a source of pride for the city of North Adams and should serve as an inspiration for the entire community."
The mayor also presented $730,741.06 in end-of-year transfers. These transfers are made from accounts with excess funds to accounts that have gone over. Every line with the exception of snow and ice must be balanced for the end of the year.
Students in Brayton Elementary School pre-kindergarten teacher Allison Zustra's class develop a love of learning through play, music, movement, and hands-on activities. click for more
Special Olympian Jenna Thomas was recognized at City Council on Monday for her medal-winning performance at the 2026 games last month in Minnesota. click for more