DA Promises Thorough Investigation of Police-Involved Shooting

BOSTON, June 2, 2013—Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley today pledged a full and impartial review of this morning’s police-involved shooting, a standard procedure for the fatal use of force in Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop.

Assistant District Attorney Edmond Zabin, chief of the DA’s Homicide Unit, responded to Willowwood Street shortly after the incident, relayed the unfolding evidence to Conley, and remained through the morning. Because the Suffolk DA’s office has a statutory authority to investigate deaths unattended by medical personnel, Conley directed Zabin to undertake a comprehensive review of the facts and law surrounding the incident.

“The community can count on a full and impartial investigation by our office,” Conley said. “We recognize the importance of transparency in a case like this. As we have in prior investigations of police-involved shootings, community stakeholders and members of the media will have the opportunity to review our findings when the probe is complete.”

After responding to the area of 76 Willowwood St. in Dorchester at about 1:25 this morning for a report of shots fired, Boston Police were directed there again at about 1:50 for a similar report. Civilian witnesses told officers of a man firing a handgun. The preliminary evidence suggests that the officers approached that man, that the man fired at them, and that they returned fire, striking him. The man was rushed to Boston Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased, a 37-year-old man, is not being identified until full family notifications can be made.

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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.