SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - One of the suspects in the 2024 shooting at Springfield’s High School of Science and Technology, changed his plea the day his trial was set to begin. After entering a guilty plea in Hampden Superior Court Tuesday, Chantz Dudley will be spending up to seven years behind bars.

Now 21-year-old Dudley admitted to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and committing a crime on school grounds, among other charges. In March 2024, Dudley and three others barged into the school, before he fired the gun in a hallway.

It was reportedly over a physical altercation involving Dana Dudley’s daughter. Dana is also Chantz’s father, and is another suspect, accused of busting into the school that day. Documents allege Dana Dudley was speaking with the principal, when Chantz pulled the trigger.

Dana’s still going through court proceedings, facing felony charges of armed breaking and entering, and assault with a dangerous weapon, in addition to a misdemeanor charge for carrying a weapon on school grounds.

Dana Dudley’s next time in front of a judge is slated for Thursday next week for pre-trail and bail hearings.

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