Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Patrick Harland

Boston, Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with first-degree murder, witness intimidation, accessory before the fact, and possession of a firearm.

Reported by: Kent Morlan

Patrick Harland, age 32, was accused of killing a 41-year-old Boston man.

At about 12:52 a.m. on December 30, 2023, Boston police responded to 417 Geneva Avenue for a person shot. Earlier in the evening, Patrick Harland and his then girlfriend got into a verbal altercation with the victim, Curtis Effee, and his girlfriend about the use of a vehicle.

At about 12:45 a.m., Harland sent a Facebook message to his girlfriend’s nephew, Dasahn Crowder, prompting Crowder to come to the house. Harland informed the people at 417 Geneva Avenue that Crowder was coming to the area with a gun. Crowder arrived with another man, Tyreese Robinson, a few minutes later. Crowder, Robinson, Harland, Effee, and others started fighting. During the fight, Harland brandished a knife and pointed it at Effee.

Crowder then took out a firearm and shot in Effee's direction. A few moments after Crowder opened fire, Robinson took out a firearm and shot in the same direction. Effee was hit and died from his wounds at the scene. Crowder and Robinson fled in a car and were arrested together the next day. Harland fled the scene on foot and was arrested on March 25, 2024.

After the homicide, Harland’s girlfriend ended their relationship. Harland sent her several messages threatening her, her children, and her mother. Harland also posted a fake missing person’s bulletin including her minor children’s names and ages and the address of her workplace.

Crowder and Robinson pled guilty on June 23 to manslaughter, unlawful possession of a firearm, and six counts of armed assault with intent to murder and were sentenced to up to 30 years in state prison.

The Defendant was found guilt.