Boston Police Shooting Victim Had History of Resisting Arrest

Prosecutors file manslaughter charges against officer in controversial killing of carjacking suspect Stephenson King.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 39-year-old Dorchester man, Stephenson King, was shot and killed by a Boston police officer earlier this month after allegedly gunning his vehicle at officers during a confrontation. King had a history of resisting arrest, including a 2019 incident where he physically struggled with police trying to extract him from a vehicle. Prosecutors later dropped those charges under the tenure of former District Attorney Rachael Rollins, who had a controversial 'no prosecute' policy for certain crimes.

Why it matters

The shooting has sparked outrage and renewed debate over police use of force, particularly against suspects with a history of resisting arrest. The case also highlights the impact of criminal justice reform policies, as King's prior charges were dropped under Rollins' tenure despite his record.

The details

Police say King did not comply with their demands and gunned his vehicle at officers as he attempted to flee, putting them at risk and necessitating them to shoot. Prosecutors later filed manslaughter charges against the officer, Nicholas O'Malley, 33, alleging the shooting was not justified. Body camera footage has not been released, with both the prosecution and defense requesting it remain private.

  • On March 11, 2026, Stephenson King was shot and killed by a Boston police officer in Roxbury.
  • On March 18, 2026, prosecutors filed manslaughter charges against Officer O'Malley for King's death.
  • In October 2019, King was involved in a similar incident where he physically resisted arrest by state and local police.

The players

Stephenson King

A 39-year-old Dorchester resident with a history of resisting arrest, including a 2019 incident where he physically struggled with police trying to extract him from a vehicle.

Officer Nicholas O'Malley

A 33-year-old Boston police officer who was charged with manslaughter for the shooting death of Stephenson King.

Rachael Rollins

The former District Attorney of Suffolk County, Massachusetts, whose controversial 'no prosecute' policy led to the dropping of King's 2019 resisting arrest charges.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We shouldn't be standing here.”

— Larry Calderone, President, Boston Police Patrolmen's Association

“The defendant's interaction with King 'didn't warrant deadly force' as body camera footage showed he was attempting only to flee the scene and showed no indication he was gunning the vehicle at officers.”

— Ian Polumbaum, Prosecutor

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to allow Officer O'Malley to be released on bail as the manslaughter case proceeds.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between police use of force, criminal justice reform policies, and public safety concerns, as well as the importance of transparency around body camera footage in officer-involved shootings.