Commonwealth v. Brookins

On appeal from his convictions of assault by means of a dangerous weapon and unlawful carrying of a firearm and from the denial of his motion for a new trial, Brookins asserts several grounds for reversal. Only one merits extended discussion. Brookins contends that he was materially prejudiced by his trial counsel’s failure to secure the testimony of a critical alibi witness and was thereby deprived of his constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel. We agree.

1. The Commonwealth’s version of events. The Commonwealth’s case against Brookins hinged upon his identification by Boston…