Asiyanna Shanay Jones-Eurquhart, a 22-year-old Black / African American woman, was tragically killed on October 2, 2017, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. On that Monday night, at approximately 10:45 p.m., she was sitting in a parked car on Dewey Avenue when a gunfight erupted between two men. During the exchange of gunfire, a stray bullet struck Asiyanna in the head. She was rushed to Berkshire Medical Center and then flown to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, where she succumbed to her injuries in the early morning hours of the following day.
Born in Augusta, Georgia, Asiyanna had moved to Pittsfield at the age of two. She was a graduate of Pittsfield High School and was known for her love of fashion and makeup. She had a passion for working with children, a path she pursued as a child care worker at the local YMCA and later at the Hillcrest Educational Center. Those who knew her remembered her for her beautiful eyes, captivating smile, and a warm, loving soul. Her life was dedicated to mentoring young children, spending time with her close friends, and supporting her family.
The investigation into Asiyanna's death led to the identification and arrests of several individuals. Carey Pilot and Gary Linen were identified as the two men involved in the gunfight. In the ensuing legal proceedings, which concluded in December 2022, Gary Linen was found guilty of murder, and Carey Pilot was convicted of manslaughter. Another individual, Elizabeth Perez, was convicted of misleading the police during the homicide investigation.
The sentencing for those responsible for Asiyanna's death brought a measure of closure to her grieving family and the community. Gary Linen was sentenced to life in prison for his role in her murder. Carey Pilot received a sentence of 15 to 20 years in state prison for manslaughter, and Elizabeth Perez was sentenced to two to four years for misleading a police officer. A fourth individual, Dayanlee Bracero-Quirindo, was also charged with misleading a police officer in connection with the case.
