In the summer of 2018, the life of Corey D'Andre Drummer, a 34-year-old Black / African American man from Springfield, Massachusetts, was tragically cut short. On July 5, 2018, Drummer was sitting in a car with his cousin on Westminster Street in Springfield when gunfire erupted in broad daylight. He was struck by the bullets and rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Despite the efforts to save him, Drummer succumbed to his injuries.
Before he passed away, Corey Drummer was able to provide a crucial piece of information to the police. He identified one of his alleged assailants as Donte King. This dying declaration became a pivotal element in the ensuing investigation led by the Springfield Police Department's Homicide Unit and the Hampden District Attorney's Office's Murder Unit. The investigation quickly led to the apprehension of two suspects in connection with the fatal shooting.
Donte King, 32, and Aaron Kelly-Griffin, 27, both from Springfield, were arrested and faced charges for their alleged involvement in Drummer's death. The charges brought against them included murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and other related offenses. Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges during their arraignment in Springfield District Court. Following their initial court appearances, they were held without bail as the legal process against them began to unfold. Their lawyers raised questions regarding the witness identification of their clients.
