Spfld police react to murder spree

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) -  A recent murder spree in the city of Springfield prompted a news conference at Springfield Police Headquarters Monday morning.

Three people have been killed in the last week, making 17 homicides so far for 2009. Springfield Police Commissioner William Fitchet said he has asked his officers to work around the clock to solve these crimes.

Commissioner Fitchet said the majority of these killers are known to police and have been arrested multiple times for other crimes.

Mayor Domenic Sarno called it a "tough weekend," but reiterated his campaign slogan promising to be relentless on crime.

District Attorney William Bennett did not show up as planned because he was at the arraignment of Daniel Horne, charged with the latest Springfield murder, that of 18 year-old Brittany Perez.

On display at the new conference were about a dozen guns that officers have confiscated off the streets.

Commissioner Fitchet said they have taken more guns off the streets so far this year than in 2008.

To view raw footage of that press conference click here.