Briefs: Motorcyclist Dies From Accident; NYC Man Sentenced in Child Rape

Print Story | Email Story
Motorcyclist Succumbs to Accident Injuries
 
LENOX, Mass. — A Lee man involved in a motorcycle accident on Sunday has died from his injuries. 
 
Gustavo Bernal, 49, was found by a state trooper in the northbound lane of Route 7 at the Plunkett Street intersection. Local first-responders were on their way after getting a 911 call reporting of a single-vehicle collision about 9:33 p.m. 
 
Bernal was unconscious and in critical medical condition. Lenox Emergency Medical Services transported him to Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield. 
 
He succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday. The incident is being investigated by local and State Police.
 
 
Staten Island Man Gets 20 Years for Sexual Assault
 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A New York City man has been sentenced to up to 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting a child. 
 
David Gonzalez, 69, of Staten Island, was found guilty of rape of a child with force and indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 by a Superior Court jury. The incident occurred in July 2017 while the Gonzalez was in the Berkshires.
 
He was sentenced to prison terms of 18 to 20 years on the rape charge and nine to 10 years on the indecent assault, to be served concurrently with the first charge, as requested by prosecutors. Defense counsel had asked for a total sentence of 10 years for both charges. 
 
The victim and her family read powerful victim impact statements at the sentencing, according to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office.
 
"Children are among our most vulnerable population. They deserve to be valued and protected by all members of society. This victim and her immediate family had their lives permanently altered by the heinous, violent act at the hands of a pedophile," said District Attorney Timothy Shugrue. "I commend the victim for her bravery in perseverance in the face of this terrible act and her immediate family for the support they provided."
 
 Andrew Giarolo, chief of the Child Abuse Unit, represented the commonwealth and Kristen Rapkowicz was the victim witness advocate on behalf of the DA's Office.

Tags: fatal,   sexual assault,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories