LOWELL — Defendants facing charges including armed robbery and drug trafficking were released from custody on Wednesday at the Kiernan Judicial Center, as trial courts in Middlesex and Suffolk counties began holding emergency Lavallee Protocol hearings at the Lowell-based courthouse in response to a statewide shortage of court-appointed attorneys.
Middlesex District Attorney
‘Strong medicine’: SJC orders courts to begin potential release of indigent defendants as right-to-counsel crisis hits breaking point
BOSTON — Declaring a “systemic violation” of constitutional rights, Massachusetts’ highest court on Thursday ordered trial courts in Middlesex and Suffolk counties to begin hearings that could lead to the release of jailed defendants and dismissal of charges against individuals who remain unrepresented.
Forensic breakthrough identifies killer in 1980 cold case murder of Ayer woman
AYER — More than four decades after the horrific murder of Katharina Reitz Brow shook the town of Ayer, investigators have finally identified the man responsible.
‘The end result is going to be chaos’: Bar advocates to halt indigent defense work over stagnant pay
According to Massachusetts bar advocates, without a long-overdue raise, the justice system is headed for some serious trouble.
Investigators seek public’s help in 50-year-old cold case mystery
BURLINGTON — On May 22, 1975, a haunting discovery in the woods of Burlington set off a homicide investigation that has remained unsolved for half a century. Now, on the 50th anniversary of the case, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and the Burlington Police are making a renewed appeal to the public for help identifying the victim — a man who has only been known as “John Doe.”
More than decade-old sexual assault case in Acton concludes with 15-year sentence for Lunenburg man
ACTON — After more than a decade, justice has finally been served for the victim of a brutal sexual assault in Acton.
