Northfield man convicted of rape, strangulation

The Franklin County Justice Center in Greenfield.

The Franklin County Justice Center in Greenfield. STAFF FILE PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Staff Report

Published: 11-17-2023 7:05 PM

GREENFIELD — After a three-day trial followed by four hours of deliberations, a Franklin County Superior Court jury on Thursday convicted Ethan Hatch, 20, of Northfield, on three counts of rape and a single count of strangulation.

Hatch was acquitted on two counts of rape and one count of assault and battery.

Hatch met the victim at a party on Sept. 17, 2022, according to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. He then drove her back to his residence where he raped and strangled her during the early morning hours of Sept. 18, 2022. Over the course of the trial, 11 witnesses, including the victim and defendant, testified.

“The survivor showed tremendous courage coming forward and testifying in court,” Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Andrew C. Covington said in a statement. “We thank the jury for their careful consideration and deliberation in this matter.”

Covington credited the State Police Detective Unit attached to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office and the Northfield Police Department for their efforts on the case.

“Victims of sexual assault are encouraged to report these crimes to their local police departments or the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office,” Covington said.

Hatch was represented by Fitchburg attorney Kris Patria. He will be sentenced on Nov. 27, at 2 p.m. in Franklin County Superior Court.

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