22News First Edition 2-09-12

CHICOPEE, Mass (WWLP) - Charges against Damion Johnson, the man accused of killing his brother in Holyoke, have been downgraded.
 
The 22-year-old was charged with murder this past November, for the shooting of his younger brother, 19-year-old Jefforey Johnson.   He pled not guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter Wednesday.
 
Police say Johnson allegedly shot his brother in a house the younger brother shared with their mother.
 
But his attorney says the brothers often played with a gun owned by the victim and his client thought it was not loaded.

Concerned residents say the Gerena School in Springfield's North End is not being used to its potential.

And a bill just passed the State House that would give already convicted criminals a second chance to prove their innocence.

22News Reporter Matt Caron is live in Springfield with the details.