First-degree murder conviction vacated where trial counsel rendered constitutionally ineffective assistance by failing to investigate defense, develop exculpatory evidence, or challenge unreliable identifications.
Drug trafficker's petitions for Supreme Judicial Court review denied; direct appeal in Appeals Court is proper forum for sentence challenges.
Juvenile offender sentenced to consecutive life sentences may receive resentencing hearing to consider concurrent sentences following invalidation of mandatory life-without-parole scheme.
Postconviction DNA testing statute requires proof that evidence exists, not that biological material is present on evidence, to proceed with forensic analysis.
Murder conviction affirmed where defendant claimed ineffective assistance for failing to investigate voluntary intoxication defense; newly discovered evidence rejected.
Defendant seeking interlocutory appeal of DNA testing denial failed to show ordinary appellate review was inadequate, so Supreme Judicial Court's superintendence power was not available.
Double jeopardy and ineffective assistance claims properly denied where adequate alternative remedies available and claims could have been raised on direct appeal.
Single justice's denial of leave to appeal from postconviction motion is final and unreviewable; no appeal lies to full court.
Commonwealth may not file sexually dangerous person petition against someone in custody awaiting trial without incompetency finding.
Statute requires judges to ensure adequate factual basis exists before recording domestic abuse allegations in statewide record system.
