Mass. Gen. Laws » Part IV Title II Chapter 277
Massachusetts General Laws

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 277, § 65 (2026)

Service of copy of indictment for murder on prisoner, etc

✓ text as last checked Sept. 2026 (this copy records no edition or section history)
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Section 65. After the finding of an indictment for murder, the defendant, if in custody, shall forthwith be served by the sheriff or his deputy with a copy thereof and with an order of the court notifying him that the indictment will be entered forthwith upon the docket of the superior court for the county where found.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 6 cases, 1927–2010 · leading case: Commonwealth v. Torres, 813 N.E.2d 1261 (Mass. 2004).
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Commonwealth v. Torres, 813 N.E.2d 1261 (Mass. 2004). · cites it 2× “See G. L. c. 277, § 65 (if defendant is in custody at time of indictment for murder, indictment “shall forthwith be served by the sheriff or his deputy”).”
CHARLES C. v. Commonwealth, 612 N.E.2d 229 (Mass. 1993). · cites it 2× “Because a grand jury returns indictments to the Superior Court, see G. L. c. 277, § 65 (1990 ed.), and G. L. c.”
Torres v. Dennehy, 615 F.3d 1 (1st Cir. 2010). “Instead of having the sheriff serve the indictment on Torres — apparently the normal procedure, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 277 § 65 (2010) — the prosecutor sent two troopers, Barry O’Brien and Andrew Bzdel.”
Commonwealth v. Desrosier, 778 N.E.2d 1 (Mass. App. Ct. 2002). · cites it 2× “” Thus, the defendant, who makes no claim that he was not personally served a copy of the indictment pursuant to G. L. c. 277, § 65, had notice that the crime charged included the element of intent to murder.”
Commonwealth v. Gedzium, 156 N.E. 890 (Mass. 1927). “” Thereafter, pursuant to G. L. c. 277, § 65, return of service of copy of the indictment was made by the sheriff to the effect that he had “notified the within named Jerry Gedzium, who was indicted by the name of John Doe, .”
Commonwealth v. Royce, 386 N.E.2d 23 (Mass. 1979). “See also G. L. c. 277, § 65 (copy of murder indictment to be served on prisoner); Commonwealth v.”
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