CONTACTAbout UsCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2025 Equal Entertainment LLC.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
We need your help
Your support makes The Advocate's original LGBTQ+ reporting possible. Become a member today to help us continue this work.
Your support makes The Advocate's original LGBTQ+ reporting possible. Become a member today to help us continue this work.
A man whose blood splattered a Springfield, Mass., police officer when he was arrested last month should not have to disclose whether he has HIV, defense lawyers told a state supreme court justice Wednesday. He does have an absolute right to confidentiality, attorney James Pepe Jr., who represents Luis Ortiz, told the court. But a prosecutor said that the lower court judge should be able to weigh Ortizs privacy interests against the need for the officers to know if Ortiz is infected with the virus. They are concerned about their personal health, their safety, said Elizabeth Dunphy Farris, an assistant district attorney in Hampden County. Ortiz allegedly lunged at officers with a knife and was shot in a January 22 incident at his apartment. He is in county jail awaiting a bail hearing on charges of assault and battery, witness intimidation, armed assault with intent to murder, and assault and battery on a police officer. Justice Martha Sosman promised a swift ruling on the disclosure matter.
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Watch Now: Pride Today
Latest Stories
The deadly 'big beautiful' budget bill will turn America into a morgue
July 02 2025 11:28 AM
40 years later, the hope and the hurt of 'St. Elmo’s Fire'
July 02 2025 6:00 AM
UPenn caves to Trump and bans trans women athletes, stripping Lia Thomas of titles
July 01 2025 5:31 PM