Commonwealth v. Pease

Peter Scott, the victim, and Dale Pease, the defendant, had been friends for five years, having met at Opportunity House in Springfield, Massachusetts. They would often “hang out” together. Alcohol provided a significant bond. In the midaftemoon of January 23, 1997, after drinking alcohol and arguing for most of the day, the defendant pushed the victim in the chest with both hands; the victim fell backward to the sidewalk, striking his head. The injuries he sustained were fatal; the victim died the next day. Convicted of involuntary manslaughter, G. L. c. 265, § 13, pursuant to an indictment…