Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court March 30, 2004 (Commonwealth v. Swafford)

Cordy, J.

Following a jury trial, Gus Swafford and Ricardo Gittens were found guilty of murder in the first degree and of assault with intent to murder.2 On appeal, Swafford argues that the trial judge erred in admitting gang affiliation testimony and in dismissing a deliberating juror; Swafford additionally argues that the Commonwealth committed improprieties during closing argument and that the