HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - The Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that Kenneth Santana-Rodriguez, charged with first-degree murder in the January 2023 shooting at the Holyoke Mall, can argue self-defense in his trial.

Santana-Rodriguez is accused of killing Trung Tran, an innocent bystander who was working at the Touch of Beauty Salon when the shooting occurred. The incident happened during an altercation between Santana-Rodriguez and another individual, Irving Sanchez.

The court's decision allows Santana-Rodriguez to present a self-defense argument, which could influence the outcome of his trial. However, even if the jury accepts this defense, he could still face a conviction for involuntary manslaughter.

Trung Tran's death has been a significant event for the community, as he was not invol

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