Springfield Men Indicted in Major Drug Trafficking Case Amid Homicide Charges
BURLINGTON, Vermont — Two men from Springfield, Massachusetts, Fabrice “Savage” Rumama, 21, and Samuel “Smitty” Niyonsenga, 19, have been indicted by federal authorities after being charged last fall with homicide linked to a drug-related killing in Waterbury. The pair now faces accusations of participating in a significant conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and over 40 grams of fentanyl in Vermont and beyond, during September and October 2024.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty during their arraignments in U.S. District Court last week. The large quantity of fentanyl escalates their potential sentence to a maximum of 40 years if convicted. Prosecutors requested that both men be held without bail, as they also face state homicide charges for the shooting death of Shawn Spiker, 34, in October 2024. Spiker was shot multiple times at Kneeland Flats Trailer Park, and another individual, Michael Perry, was also injured in the incident.
State’s Attorney Michelle Donnelly maintains there is substantial evidence against Rumama and Niyonsenga, including reports, search warrants, and audio-visual materials linked to drug transactions. Both men were apprehended after fleeing the scene, with authorities uncovering fentanyl, firearms, and cash during a subsequent raid on their Orange residence.
Niyonsenga previously sought classification as a "youthful offender," but withdrew the request, continuing his case in adult court. Both defendants now face serious legal battles, including ongoing state charges and the potential ramifications of the federal indictment. The court has allowed 120 days for defense preparation.
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