Gov. Maura Healey is facing renewed criticism from her Republican challengers after a Mattapan man previously charged with possession of a deadly weapon had that case dismissed due to the public defender shortage, only to be arrested Sunday for a fatal stabbing.
Javonte Robinson, 29, is accused of stabbing a man to death Saturday night.
He had been facing charges from August accusing him pf possession of a dangerous weapon (knife) and class A drugs. While he was released on personal recognizance on those charges, his criminal case was ultimately dismissed in October due to the Lavelle Protocol – a state protocol that requires defendants utilizing an appointed counsel cannot wait over 45 days for representation.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve blasted Healey for her handling of the shortage, saying “this should never happen in a functioning state government. Under Governor Healey, the state failed to pay public defenders adequately, failed to ensure the courts had the staffing they needed, and failed to protect the public. That is unacceptable and it is dangerous.”
Following an event at the State House Tuesday, Gov. Healey told the Herald “my condolences go out to the victim’s family and it sounds like a horrific incident. In terms of the circumstance, you’ll have to ask the local DA and others about the specific circumstances of when he was released and how he was released.”
“In terms of the situation in the courts right now. Look, the legislature worked and I signed to make sure that there was additional funding for more advocates. There’s also a pilot program running back in the courts and I understand there are more lawyers back in the courts right now representing criminal defendants,” Healey added.
Shortsleeve said the issues is ”not a question of resources.”
“In every step of the way, Maura Healey has used supplemental budgets, emergency powers to fund things that are important to her. Like free phone calls for prisoners, putting thousands of migrants into the Home Base program,” said Shortsleeve. “The state has got a lot of money and it’s been clear she’s willing to use that for her priorities. Clearly this is not a priority. Maura Healey could have taken action to solve this problem six months ago and she didn’t.”
Public defenders launched a work stoppage in May, seeking a $35-an hour increase from the then-$65-an hour rate at district courts. Lawmakers approved a $20 increase over two years, a change that will bump public defender pay to $85-an hour in 2026.
But bar advocates were seeking a $100-an hour rate and many say the hike approved by the legislature is not adequate.
Fellow Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue also placed the blame on Healey.
“The fundamental role of the governor is to uphold the law and keep our communities safe. This is another example of our governor failing to solve problems and run an organization that has a horrible impact on the victim and their families,” Minogue said.
Republican candidate for governor Mike Kennealy also weighed in, blaming both Healey and Beacon Hill Democrats.
“No matter how you look at this, Maura Healey and the Democratic supermajority in the legislature are responsible for this,” Kennealy told the Herald. “If we can’t fund our criminal justice system the government is breaking the social contract with its citizens.”
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
