Man released after Dookhan drug scandal convicted of involuntary manslaughter

BROCKTON, MASS. (WHDH) - The case surrounding disgraced former Massachusetts chemist Annie Dookhan was back in the spotlight on Thursday after a man convicted on drugs charges who was released early was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

Donta Hood was convicted in the death of Charles Evans, 45 of Brockton, three years ago. He was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of a loaded firearm.

On May 14, 2013, Brockton police received a call reporting multiple gunshots and a man shot and lying in the driveway on Belmont Street.

When police arrived they found Evans lying in the driveway with gunshot wounds to the chest. He was transported to a Brockton hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The mother of Evans’ son was upset by the conviction on Thurday.

“No, he has the opportunity to get out again, and he killed him,” Reanna Owen said.

Hood is the first person released because of the Dookhan scandal to be charged with murder.

Dookhan pleaded guilty in 2013 and was sentenced to 5 years behind bars for mishandling drug samples seized from suspects.

She testified before Hood was convicted on drugs charges in 2009 and sentenced to five years in prison.

His conviction was tossed out with two years remaining on his prison term.

Months later, he was charged with murder.

“Dookhan has done her time, we are still dealing with significant Dookhan problems now, all throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz said.

Hood’s family declined to comment after the conviction Thursday.

Lefteris Travayiakis, Hood’s attorney, said he was disappointed with the conviction.

“I thought the evidence was absolutely crystal clear that it was a straight self defense,” he said.

Hood is being held without bail and will be brought to the courthouse in July, when he will be sentenced.

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