PITTSFIELD, Mass. — An arrest has been made in last month's murder of 17-year-old Brodie Slonski.

 

Jaequan Spratling, 18, was arrested on Thursday evening by police and is being charged with murder and attempted armed robbery. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on Friday, today, at 2 p.m. 

 

Slonski, a Taconic High School student, was found shot in his car after crashed into a tree at intersection of Franco Terrace and Parker Street on the evening of Oct. 26. First responders found the gunshot wound as he was being removed from the vehicle; he was taken to Berkshire Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. 

 

"I want to first thank the public for their patience while law enforcement worked to identify a suspect/s in Brodie's murder," said District Attorney Timothy Shugrue. "While the police successfully arrested a perpetrator within 10 days of the crime, I recognize that living with fear in your neighborhood is a harrowing experience. I secondly want to recognize the tireless work of the Pittsfield Police as they have dedicated themselves around the clock to this case. 

 

"There have been many sleepless nights in pursuit of solving Brodie's murder. I am thankful to have such committed law enforcement in our county."

 

Shugrue said the murder shocked the closeknit Morningside community and that his office has no tolerance for violence and guns in the community.

 

Police Chief Thomas Dawley said he was proud of the team of officers "who have put in countless hours to solve this case. Their continued persistence and dedication to public safety is evident. My thoughts are with Brodie’s family during this impossibly difficult time."

 

The investigation into the murder remains ongoing. While a suspect in the murder has been identified, Pittsfield Police continue to work to determine if there were any other individuals involved in the murder.