repeat offender arrested in connection with Springfield homicide
repeat offender charged in relation to Springfield killing.

Accident – death – Obituary News :

Arrest Made in Connection with Springfield Murder

Repeat Offender Arrested in Springfield Murder Case

Authorities in Springfield, MA have reported the arrest of a repeat violent offender in connection with a murder that occurred in the city. The suspect, who was out on bail at the time of the incident, has been identified as 28-year-old Ethan Fitzgerald of Ludlow.

Details of the Incident

The Springfield Police received a ShotSpotter activation on the night of August 12, prompting officers to respond to the State and Dresden Streets in the city. Upon arrival, they discovered 41-year-old Dwayne Griffith of Springfield suffering from a gunshot wound. Griffith was rushed to Baystate Medical Center, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.

Investigation Leads to Arrest

Following an extensive investigation by the Springfield Police homicide unit, Ethan Fitzgerald was identified as a suspect in the case. On Tuesday, investigators obtained an arrest warrant, leading to Fitzgerald’s apprehension on Thursday morning.

Prior Offenses and Bail

According to Springfield Police spokesperson Ryan Walsh, Fitzgerald had previous convictions related to gun charges in 2017. Shockingly, at the time of the murder, Fitzgerald was out on bail for two open gun cases pending in court. In March 2021, he allegedly discharged a firearm in the parking lot of the Magic Lantern in Palmer, and he was also facing an illegal gun arrest from January 2023 in Holyoke.

Another Arrest and Seizure

On September 20, Fitzgerald was arrested again when a search warrant was executed on a Ludlow apartment. During the operation, law enforcement seized two illegal guns, half a kilogram of cocaine, marijuana, Xanax, heroin, and over $60,000 in cash. Despite this arrest, Fitzgerald was released on bail.

Call for Action and Recognition

Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood expressed her concerns, stating, “When we’re asked what can be done to reduce gun violence, the Mayor and I have been saying the same thing over and over again; hold suspects who are arrested for violent acts and gun charges.” She further added, “To see that this suspect had three open firearms cases in Superior Court and he was still out on the street is astonishing. This simply should not and cannot happen, and now a life is lost.” Superintendent Clapprood commended the dedicated Homicide Unit and the Firearms Investigation Unit for their relentless efforts in bringing justice to the victim’s family.

Arraignment and Charges

Ethan Fitzgerald is expected to be arraigned on Thursday afternoon. He will face charges including murder, carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building.

Stay tuned for further updates on this ongoing investigation.

.

– “Repeat offender arrested in connection with Springfield murder”
– “Arrested repeat offender connected to Springfield murder”.