Commonwealth v. Wolcott

The defendant Erroll Wolcott was convicted on indictments for armed assault with intent to murder Karen, Floyd, and Marlon Straw, for assault by means of a dangerous weapon upon Karen and Floyd, and for assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon upon Marlon Straw and Michael Thomas. In the course of trial, the judge, over continuing objection, allowed in evidence testimony by a police officer about the organization and tactics of Jamaican gangs. This was received in proof of the motive for the armed assaults with intent to murder, and also as bearing on the intent element of these…