New York Man Found Guilty in Pittsfield Murder

10:56AM / Friday, March 14, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Thursday, March 13, in Berkshire Superior Court, Lance Burke was found guilty by a jury of his peers for the 2018 murder of David Green Jr.

Burke, 46 of New York, was found guilty on three charges related to the crime, murder in the first degree (Murder), illegal possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of a loaded firearm.

Green was murdered in 2018 while sitting in his vehicle on Willow Street. Burke was identified as the suspect based on witness testimony, cross-state investigations, and video and mobile phone tracking surveillance.

District Attorney Shugrue stated while he is satisfied that justice was served on behalf of David Green Jr., the verdict does not lessen the tragedy of his death.

"Mr. Green's family has been waiting a longtime for this day. While we are pleased with the conclusion the jury reached, nothing will ever heal the wounds of losing a loved one in such a violent way," he said. "I send my deepest condolences to Mr. Green's family, friends, and community as they continue to work through this senseless murder. I hope today brings them some sense of peace. A theme of my tenure continues to be accountability for those who bring violence into our community. This death of Mr. Green was brought about by a Defendant who drove into Pittsfield and committed murder. Those who bring illegal firearms, attempt to establish drug trafficking networks, and bring violence to our neighborhoods will be held accountable to the greatest extent of the law."

"Trying this case was extremely difficult. The Pittsfield Police Department worked diligently and with great precession to use all the technology available to them to connect Lance Burke to the crime. It is because of their dedicated work, and the team of prosecutors and advocates on this case, that the jury was able to reach this verdict. Our Office never shies away from difficult prosecutions, and I am extremely fortunate to work with law enforcement that has the same determination to see that justice served."

Witness testimony was given during the trial. District Attorney Shugrue commended the witnesses for their actions and commented on concerning behavior that occurred during the trial.

"The witnesses that came forward to testify showed tremendous bravery. Throughout this trial, witnesses were directly threatened. Threats were made on their own safety as well as the safety of their family," Shugrue said. "Law enforcement is currently investigating cases of witness intimidation that stemmed from this case. I will not accept bad actors to interfere with the judicial system by those courageous enough to come forward."

First Assistant District Attorney Marianne Shelvey and Assistant District Attorney Heather Valentine represented the Commonwealth. Director of Victim Witness Advocates Jane Kibby-Pierce served as an advocate on behalf of the District Attorney's Office. Appellate Assistant District Attorney Lori Levinson served on the trial team. The Pittsfield Police Detective Unit and Anti-Crime Unit served as the lead law enforcement agency. New York State Police assisted in evidence collection.

Burke was originally tried in 2024; however, a mistrial was declared on June, 2024 after a hung jury.

Tags: murder, superior court,

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ServiceNet Hopes to Open Pittsfield Warming Center in Nov.

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:48AM / Thursday, October 15, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A warming center is again planned in the First United Methodist Church for the cold months.

During last week's Homelessness Advisory Committee meeting, Erin Forbush, director of shelter and housing at ServiceNet, reported that they hope to begin operating the nighttime center in mid-November.

It would operate from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. in the church, which abuts The Pearl shelter. Forbush said the warming center would be the same program as in the past.

"Again it's a warming center, so there's no cots or beds, but it is certainly a place to come in, and we'll have a hot coffee or cocoa ready for folks," she explained.

"It will be a place to be inside and warm."

This year, ServiceNet hopes to secure full funding from the state so the warming center can open on Sundays at 5 p.m. In years past, they found that Sunday is the most challenging day for unhoused individuals because many community spaces aren't open.

The First Housing Resource Center, managed by Hearthway, opened earlier this year as a low-barrier option for people to rest and access amenities. It is open seven days a week, and Forbush said if people could come to the warming center on Sundays at 5, there would be a fuller day of coverage.

"It does still leave a little gap for Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, as spaces like the library close at five, but we know that Sundays were something that people were looking for," she said.

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