Overview
- The shooting that killed 39-year-old Stephenson King Jr. took place on March 11 when officers approached a car reported stolen in Roxbury and Officer Nicholas O’Malley fired three shots through the driver’s side window.
- A Suffolk County grand jury indicted O’Malley on voluntary manslaughter on May 20 and he pleaded not guilty at a Superior Court arraignment on June 4.
- Prosecutors say body-worn camera footage and witness statements shown to the King family contradict O’Malley’s claim that he fired because another officer faced imminent danger from the vehicle.
- O’Malley was released on personal recognizance and ordered to avoid witnesses while his lawyers argue the arrest and evidence handling were improper and seek access to investigative records.
- The case highlights how rare criminal charges for on-duty police shootings are in Massachusetts and could prompt renewed calls for a clear public policy on release of body-camera video and other investigative materials.