Pittsfield man sentenced to 12-15 years for fatal 2022 shooting — Prison fence. Grid fence with barbed wire against sunset. Barbed wire. Security measures for prisoners in prison.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A former Pittsfield resident has been sentenced to 12 to 15 years in state prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and multiple charges connected to the 2022 killing of Stephan Curley, 26, of Springfield, and the shooting injury of Dominique Satrape of Pittsfield.

Laquan M. Johnson, 30, entered the plea in Berkshire Superior Court on Friday, January 17, ahead of a jury verdict in his trial, which began earlier this month. Prosecutors had sought a 15-to-20-year sentence, while the defense requested 10 years. Judge Christie Bevacqua Agostini imposed a sentence above the guidelines, which recommend 9 to 13.5 years, citing the gravity of the case.

The shooting occurred on April 4, 2022, after police were alerted by ShotSpotter activation near 71 King Street. Investigators determined that Johnson had fired multiple shots as Curley and Satrape arrived at his residence, killing Curley and injuring Satrape. Evidence and testimony presented during the trial showed Johnson retrieved a gun from inside his home and opened fire within seconds of the victims’ arrival. Prosecutors argued the shooting was not in self-defense, as there was no evidence Curley was armed.

Johnson was arrested after police discovered spent shell casings outside and inside his residence, along with the firearm used in the shooting secured in a safe. He was taken into custody following the discovery of additional evidence, including surveillance footage and witness testimony.

“My thoughts are with Mr. Curley’s family during this difficult time,” said Berkshire District Attorney Timothy J. Shugrue. “While Laquan Johnson’s lengthy sentence will never bring Mr. Curley back, I hope it offers some measure of comfort to his loved ones. Gun violence affects not only the perpetrators and victims but the entire community.”

Johnson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and seven other charges, including armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery by discharging a firearm. His sentence includes 12 to 15 years in state prison for the manslaughter charge and concurrent sentences for the additional offenses.

Shore News Network Staff Report Latest posts

Shore News Network Staff Report is the official newsroom byline used by Shore News Network when a story is produced through the collaborative work of multiple members of the editorial team rather than a single reporter.

This newsroom account is reserved for articles that involve contributions from multiple journalists, editors, photographers, researchers, or news desk staff. It is also used for developing stories that are updated as new verified information becomes available, as well as for community announcements, weather coverage, public safety alerts, election results, and other newsroom-produced content.

Every article published under the Shore News Network Staff Report byline is reviewed and edited in accordance with the organization's editorial standards for accuracy, fairness, attribution, and transparency. Information is verified through official government agencies, court records, law enforcement, public documents, direct reporting, interviews, and other reliable primary and secondary sources before publication whenever possible.

The Staff Report account does not use artificial intelligence to independently generate news or publish unverified information. AI-assisted tools may occasionally be used for editorial support tasks such as transcription, formatting, grammar review, or workflow efficiency, but all published content is subject to human editorial oversight and approval by Shore News Network's newsroom staff.

As an independently owned digital news organization, Shore News Network is committed to original reporting, public safety journalism, government accountability, local community coverage, and breaking news throughout New Jersey and surrounding regions. Stories published under the Staff Report byline reflect the collective experience and editorial judgment of the Shore News Network newsroom.

Readers who have corrections, additional information, or news tips related to a Staff Report article are encouraged to contact the newsroom at news@shorenewsnetwork.com. Shore News Network welcomes factual corrections and updates as part of its commitment to accurate, transparent journalism.