UPDATE: In a controversial decision, authorities confirmed that seven officers from the Haverhill Police Department will not face charges in the death of Francis Gigliotti, a man who died while being restrained on the street on July 11, 2023. This announcement has ignited public outrage and calls for accountability.
The Essex County District Attorney, Paul Tucker, stated earlier today that after a thorough investigation, his office concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support criminal charges. “After a comprehensive review of the facts, applicable law, and the consideration of the opinion of a retained independent expert, it’s the view of my office and myself that criminal charges are not supportable and will not be pursued,” Tucker emphasized.
Gigliotti, aged 43, was reportedly walking through the streets of Haverhill, MA, exhibiting erratic behavior and weaving in and out of traffic when officers intervened. Video footage reveals alarming moments where he narrowly avoided being struck by moving vehicles. During this encounter, Gigliotti was undergoing a mental health crisis, according to his fiancée.
When Gigliotti attempted to enter a nearby seafood restaurant, officers restrained him on the ground for approximately 2 minutes and 25 seconds. The county medical examiner had previously classified his death as a homicide due to “cardiac dysrhythmia in a person with acute intoxication due to the combined effects of cocaine and ethanol while being restrained prone by police.”
Despite the medical classification of homicide, Tucker clarified that it does not imply criminal wrongdoing. “Homicide is simply a medical determination,” he noted, indicating a belief that no crime was committed by the officers involved.
In response to the decision not to charge the officers, Gigliotti’s family has announced plans to file a civil lawsuit, seeking justice for his untimely death. The family’s attorney has expressed strong discontent with the ruling, stating it undermines the seriousness of police accountability.
As this story develops, community members and activists are expected to rally in support of Gigliotti’s family, demanding further investigations into police practices and accountability measures.
Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding situation, as public sentiment continues to grow around the urgent need for reform in law enforcement procedures.
