Update: Suspect in Fenn St. Homicide Arrested

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Update on June 14, 2024 at 4:15 pm: According to the District Attorney's Office, Jeremy Stanton, age 38 of Pittsfield, was charged with murder on June 12, 2024. Stanton allegedly murdered Ryan P. Babcock on June 11.
 
Stanton was arrested on the evening of June 12 in a home in Worthington on unrelated outstanding warrants for violation of probation and assault with a dangerous weapon (knife) and vandalizing property from an incident on June 2.
 
The defense entered a plea of not guilty. The defendant is being held without the right bail. 
 
Law enforcement involved in Stanton's apprehension include the Pittsfield Police Department, Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force: the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office; the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney's Office; and Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section.
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Update: The victim in Tuesday's shooting has been identified as Ryan P. Babcock, 38, of Pittsfield.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police are investigating a suspected homicide on Fenn Street, the Berkshire District Attorney's office said Tuesday night.
 
According to a news release, police at 4:30 p.m. responded to a report of a man suffering from possible gunshot wounds in the 500 block of Fenn Street.
 
"Upon arrival, the officer observed an unresponsive adult male in the driver's seat of a vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot wounds," the news release read.
 
Paramedics were called to the scene, but the individual was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the news release.
 
"Based on preliminary investigations, Pittsfield Police believes this was not a random act and that there is no immediate danger to the public," the release reads. "However, as a suspect/s has not been identified, law enforcement encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police."
 
The release indicated that the State Police is supporting the investigation.

Tags: homicide,   murder,   

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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