Pittsfield man gets 20 years to life for 2022 murder

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (NEWS10) — The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office announced that Michael Rose of Pittsfield was sentenced on Thursday for causing the death of Jeric Black in 2022. Rose, 45, was convicted on Wednesday of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon following a jury trial.

Rose was found guilty of shooting Black in the abdomen at Black’s home on King Street in Pittsfield just before 11:40 p.m. on February 1, 2022. Black, 43, later died at Berkshire Medical Center.

The Pittsfield Police Department identified Rose as the shooting suspect during the ensuing investigation, resulting in his arrest on February 7, 2022. Detectives worked alongside a witness who confessed to driving Rose to and from the shooting, leading to investigators ultimately confirming his involvement in the murder.

“Justice was delivered today for Jeric Black, who was ruthlessly gunned down, leaving behind his loving family and friends,” Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue stated. “This verdict was made possible by the work of the Pittsfield Police, the courage of a key witness coming forward, and the strength of Mr. Black’s family. I am proud of the prosecutors, advocates, and every member of my office. Over the past 18 months, we have brought seven murder cases to conviction, holding seven violent criminal offenders accountable.”

Rose was sentenced to 20 years to life in state prison for the murder charge, and two and a half to five years for the gun charge, which will be served concurrently. Assistant District Attorneys Joseph Yorlano and Amy Winston prosecuted the case.