PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A former Pittsfield resident has been sentenced to 12 to 15 years in state prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and multiple charges connected to the 2022 killing of Stephan Curley, 26, of Springfield, and the shooting injury of Dominique Satrape of Pittsfield.
Laquan M. Johnson, 30, entered the plea in Berkshire Superior Court on Friday, January 17, ahead of a jury verdict in his trial, which began earlier this month. Prosecutors had sought a 15-to-20-year sentence, while the defense requested 10 years. Judge Christie Bevacqua Agostini imposed a sentence above the guidelines, which recommend 9 to 13.5 years, citing the gravity of the case.
The shooting occurred on April 4, 2022, after police were alerted by ShotSpotter activation near 71 King Street. Investigators determined that Johnson had fired multiple shots as Curley and Satrape arrived at his residence, killing Curley and injuring Satrape. Evidence and testimony presented during the trial showed Johnson retrieved a gun from inside his home and opened fire within seconds of the victims’ arrival. Prosecutors argued the shooting was not in self-defense, as there was no evidence Curley was armed.
Johnson was arrested after police discovered spent shell casings outside and inside his residence, along with the firearm used in the shooting secured in a safe. He was taken into custody following the discovery of additional evidence, including surveillance footage and witness testimony.
“My thoughts are with Mr. Curley’s family during this difficult time,” said Berkshire District Attorney Timothy J. Shugrue. “While Laquan Johnson’s lengthy sentence will never bring Mr. Curley back, I hope it offers some measure of comfort to his loved ones. Gun violence affects not only the perpetrators and victims but the entire community.”
Johnson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and seven other charges, including armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery by discharging a firearm. His sentence includes 12 to 15 years in state prison for the manslaughter charge and concurrent sentences for the additional offenses.