News  Berkshire District Attorney’s Office Secures Conviction in Catalano Murder

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office secured the guilty conviction of a Pittsfield man responsible for the murder of William Catalano.

Jason Sefton, 23, pled guilty to murder in the second degree for the homicide of Catalano. Sefton stabbed Catalano twice on the evening of October 15, 2018.

Judge John Agostini sentenced Sefton to serve a life sentence with the opportunity for parole after 25 years.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Catalano’s family, and I thank them for their courage and strength to continue to fight for justice. While nothing we can do will ever replace the void left in their lives, we hope that holding the individual accountable for this senseless act of violence will bring the family some peace and closure,” District Attorney Andrea Harrington said.

“I also thank the Pittsfield Police Department, the State Police, and every department, organization, and professional who responded to the scene, attempted to save Mr. Catalano’s life, and conducted a thorough investigation.”

Sefton attacked Catalano outside of a Robbins Avenue address and left the area. Pittsfield Police responded, and emergency medical services transported Catalano to Berkshire Medical Center, where he subsequently died. The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Catalano died because of the two stab wounds to his chest.

Sefton was one of three individuals law enforcement charged in the homicide of Catalano, who was 34 at the time. Co-defendant Anthony Boone pled guilty on February 10, 2020, to a charge of manslaughter. Judge Agostini sentenced him to serve 12 to 15 years in state prison. Co-defendant Bruce Romano's case is still pending.

The Pittsfield Police Department, with assistance from the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, Forensic Scientists from the Crime Laboratory, and the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case.

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.