Bronx man found guilty in 2018 Pittsfield murder

Yahoo

14-03-2025

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A jury has found Lance Burke, 45, of Bronx, New York, guilty of first-degree murder and illegal firearm possession in connection with the 2018 killing of David Green Jr. in Pittsfield.
The verdict was delivered Thursday in Berkshire Superior Court, following a trial that included witness testimony, surveillance evidence, and an extensive cross-state investigation.
Burke was convicted of fatally shooting Green while he was sitting in his vehicle on Willow Street. Authorities identified Burke as the suspect using video surveillance, cell phone tracking, and witness statements. Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue praised the verdict but acknowledged the lasting impact of the crime.
'Mr. Green's family has been waiting a long time for this day,' said Shugrue. 'While we are pleased with the jury's conclusion, nothing can heal the wounds of losing a loved one in such a violent way. I hope today brings his family some sense of peace.'
Shugrue emphasized his office's commitment to holding perpetrators of violence accountable. 'The death of Mr. Green was caused 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 prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.'
The case relied heavily on technology and forensic evidence. Pittsfield Police, with assistance from New York State Police, used surveillance footage, digital tracking, and other investigative tools to link Burke to the crime. 'Trying this case was extremely difficult,' Shugrue noted. 'The Pittsfield Police Department worked diligently, using all available technology to build a strong case against the defendant. Because of their efforts and the work of our prosecution team, justice was served.'
The trial was also marked by incidents of witness intimidation. 'The witnesses who testified showed tremendous bravery,' Shugrue said. 'During this trial, witnesses were directly threatened, and their families were also targeted. Law enforcement is actively investigating these acts of intimidation, and we will not tolerate interference with the judicial system.'
Burke's sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, at 9 a.m. He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. This was Burke's second trial for the murder. His original trial in 2024 ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury.
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