SPRINGFIELD — A 28-year-old man with a record of violent offenses and illegal firearm possession was arrested Thursday morning in connection with a fatal shooting in Springfield last year, police said.
Ethan Fitzgerald of Ludlow was taken into custody at about 10 a.m. near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Dwight Street on a warrant for the murder of 41-year-old Dwayne Griffith of Springfield, according to the Springfield Police Department.
Griffith was found shot on the evening of Aug. 12 following a ShotSpotter activation near State and Dresden Streets.
He was transported to Baystate Medical Center where he later died from his injuries.
Springfield Police, under the direction of Captain Trent Duda, identified Fitzgerald as a suspect and secured an arrest warrant on Jan. 23.
Fitzgerald was previously convicted on gun charges in 2017 and was out on bail for two pending gun cases in Hampden Superior Court at the time of the homicide.
In March 2021, Fitzgerald was implicated in a shooting at the now-closed Magic Lantern parking lot in Palmer.
He also faces charges from a January illegal firearms arrest in Holyoke.
Following the August homicide, Fitzgerald was arrested on Sept. 20 after police found two illegal firearms, including a “ghost gun,” drugs, and over $60,000 in cash in a Ludlow apartment.
He was subsequently released on bail.
Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood and Mayor Domenic J.
Sarno expressed frustration with the bail system, noting that Fitzgerald’s continued release contributed to the cycle of violence.
Fitzgerald is slated for arraignment Thursday afternoon in Springfield District Court on charges of murder, carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building.
