PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Berkshire Superior Court jury found Michael Rose guilty of Murder in the Second Degree and possession of a firearm without an FID card on Wednesday, Oct. 1, in connection with the 2022 shooting death of Jeric Black.

 

Rose was subsequently sentenced to 20 years to life in State Prison for the murder charge. He also received a concurrent sentence of two and a half to five years for possession of a firearm without an FID card.

 

"Justice was delivered today for Jeric Black, who was ruthlessly gunned down, leaving behind his loving family and friends," District Attorney Shugrue said. "This verdict was made possible by the work of the Pittsfield Police, the courage of a key witness coming forward, and the strength of Black's family."

 

"I am proud of the prosecutors, advocates, and every member of my office. Over the past 18 months, we have brought seven murder cases to conviction, holding seven violent criminal offenders accountable."

 

The conviction stems from the fatal shooting of Jeric Black on Feb. 1, 2022.

 

According to a report from the District Attorney’s Office, at approximately 11:39 p.m., Pittsfield Police were dispatched to 181 King Street following a report of shots fired. The investigation revealed that Rose had gone to the address, driven by Shirley Gaylord, intending to confront Black.

 

A family member let Rose into the residence. Shortly after, the family member reported hearing a gunshot and seeing Rose fleeing the scene. Black suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was transported to Berkshire Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.

 

In the days following the murder, Gaylord contacted police, detailing how she drove Rose to and from the King Street residence. She explained the timeline of events, including dropping him off on View Street after the shooting.

 

Along with witness testimony from Gaylord, prosecutors relied on key pieces of digital evidence. Phone logs showed Rose borrowed Gaylord's phone to communicate with Black just prior to the murder. Additionally, Rose’s personal technology device connected to a router near where he was dropped off on View Street following the crime. This allowed prosecutors to geolocate Rose moments after the shooting and corroborate Gaylord's testimony.

 

Chief Trial Counsel Joseph Yorlano and Assistant District Attorney Amy Winston represented the Commonwealth. Kristen Rapkowicz served as the Victim Witness Advocate on behalf of the Berkshire District Attorney's Office. The Pittsfield Police Department served as the lead law enforcement investigative agency.