Defense in High-Profile Murder Retrial

Attorney Joseph F. Krowski served as lead defense counsel in the landmark case of Commonwealth v. Kater (2000), a pivotal Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court proceeding involving the retrial of James M. Kater, accused of the 1978 abduction and murder of Mary Lou Arruda. The case, which had garnered statewide attention for over two decades, was complex and emotionally charged, involving multiple trials and appellate challenges.

Krowski’s advocacy played a critical role in challenging the Commonwealth’s evidence and preserving the constitutional rights of the accused. He argued before the state’s highest court, raising substantive legal questions concerning due process and evidentiary standards. Although the conviction was ultimately upheld, the case remains a defining example of Attorney Krowski’s commitment to rigorous defense, even in the face of intense public scrutiny. His work underscored the principle that every individual—regardless of the allegations—deserves a fair trial and zealous representation.