Madeline Blanchette v. Springfield, City of - City Solicitor (SPR 20252478)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records September 4, 2025 SPR25/2478 Stephen G. Roche, Esq. Associate City Solicitor City of Springfield 36 Court Street, Room 210 Springfield, MA 01103 Dear Attorney Roche: I have received the petition of Madeline Blanchette, Esq., of Foster Blanchette, and Harrell, on behalf of Ra-Born Allah, appealing the response of the City of Springfield (City) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On July 28, 2025, Attorney Blanchette requested, “…all Springfield Police Department files regarding the March 4, 1994 murder of [an identified individual] that yielded indictments for [three identified individuals].” The City responded on August 11, 2025, assigning the request reference number 25-2559 and providing a fee estimate. Unsatisfied with the City’s response, Attorney Blanchette petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR25/2478, was opened as a result. Subsequently, I learned that the City provided a further response on September 4, 2025. Where this appeal was opened based on the City’s August 11, 2025 response, I will now consider this administrative appeal closed. If unresolved issues remain, Attorney Blanchette may appeal the substantive nature of the City’s September 4th response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Madeline Blanchette, Esq. One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 • (617) 727-2832 • Fax: (617) 727-5914 sec.state.ma.us/pre • pre@sec.state.ma.us