Press Release  Berkshire District Attorney’s Office Obtains Indictments In North Adams Shooting and Clarksburg Homicide

BERKSHIRE COUNTY — The Berkshire District Attorney's Office obtained indictments related to a shooting in North Adams on Feb. 19, which injured two people.

Last week, the Grand Jury returned indictments for Paul Starbird and Keith Larrabee, both of North Adams. Starbird, 20, and Larrabee, 27, are currently held without the right to bail on District Court charges. The court arraigned Larrabee on Thursday and will arraign Starbird on June 29.

Starbird is facing two counts of armed assault with intent to murder and single counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, illegal possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of a loaded firearm. Larrabee is facing two counts of armed assault with intent to murder and single counts of assault and battery, illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a loaded firearm, and assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

North Adams Police responded to Key West Lounge on State Street at approximately 1:24 a.m. that morning for a reported shooting. On arrival, police assisted two victims suffering from gunshot wounds and Northern Berkshire EMS transported the victims to Berkshire Medical Center.

North Adams Police, with assistance from Adams Police, Williamstown Police, Berkshire State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, and Massachusetts State Police Cheshire Barracks, Crime Scene Services, Ballistics, and Chemist, investigated the shooting.

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office also obtained an indictment of William Gingerich on charges related to the murder of Dennis Bernardi. The 27-year-old Gingerich faces charges of murder, kidnapping, assault and battery, and larceny of a motor vehicle.

Gingerich is also currently detained without the right to bail. Superior Court is expected to arraign Gingerich on June 30.

Clarksburg and North Adams Police responded to a Clarksburg address on Feb. 23 for a wellbeing check and discovered Bernardi deceased. The Berkshire District Attorney's Office, Berkshire State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, Clarksburg Police, North Adams Police, Berkshire County Sheriff's Office, and Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services responded to the scene.

Authorities in Lewiston, N.Y. arrested Gingerich the following evening on an arrest warrant obtained by the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit. 

“I thank all of the law enforcement officers involved in these investigations for their diligent work and the jurors for their service,” District Attorney Andrea Harrington said.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington’s office serves all 32 cities and towns in Berkshire County. The office represents the Commonwealth in more than 7,500 criminal cases per year in Berkshire Superior Court, three district courts, three juvenile courts, Massachusetts Appeals Court, and Supreme Judicial Court. The office works closely with the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force, and collaborates with local police departments across the county. A dedicated staff of more than 50 prioritizes public safety, empowering victims and witnesses through services and support, and building a safe community for everyone and especially the most vulnerable.

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