By VDC staff
A Caledonia Superior Court judge has eased some of the release conditions for Mohamed Said, the Massachusetts teenager charged in the fatal shooting of a woman during an alleged drug deal in St. Johnsbury, while denying other requests for additional freedom, according to today’s Caledonian-Record.
The daily newspaper for St. Johnsbury, the NEK and nearby New Hampshire towns reported that during a hearing Monday, Judge Heather Gray ruled that Said may attend college classes and work without parental supervision while his case remains pending. However, Gray denied defense requests that would have allowed him to independently visit a gym, library and mosque.
Prosecutors argued that Said, who faces a homicide charge in the death of Christina Chatlos, 38, should not receive any additional leniency. Caledonia State’s Attorney Claire Burns told the court that the state had originally sought to hold Said without bail and remains concerned about public safety and the possibility that he could flee while living in Massachusetts.
Gray said the court was attempting to balance the seriousness of the charge with evidence that Said has been complying with court-ordered conditions and participating in structured rehabilitation programs in Massachusetts. She noted that Said’s parents continue to transport him to work and school.
Defense attorney David Green said Said has completed an intensive residential treatment program, graduated from high school early, and begun taking college classes while in custody. Since returning to live with his parents in March, Said has also participated in the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services’ Youth Engaged in Services program and ROCA, a nonprofit that works with high-risk young men.
Said was 15 years old when prosecutors allege he fatally shot Christina Chatlos during an encounter connected to a crack cocaine transaction behind the Cornerstone School in St. Johnsbury on Jan. 23, 2024. Although initially charged with second-degree murder in adult court, the case was later transferred to family court after Said was granted youthful offender status over the state’s objection.