Boston Police Shooting Victim Had 47 Prior Charges, Sparking Renewed Calls for Justice

Attorney Ben Crump takes on case of Stephenson King Jr., who was killed by an officer while out on bail for multiple felonies

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:48am

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a police shooting incident.A shattered window exposes the harsh realities of a police shooting that has reignited debates over use of force and bail reform.Boston Today

Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump has taken on the case of Stephenson King Jr., a 39-year-old Boston man who was shot and killed by a police officer in March. King had an extensive criminal history with 47 prior charges, including felonies, and was out on bail for four separate offenses at the time of the shooting. The officer who shot King has been charged with manslaughter, but a fundraiser for the officer has raised over $500,000 as the case sparks renewed debates around police accountability and criminal justice reform.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions around police use of force, bail reform, and repeat offenders in the criminal justice system. Crump's involvement brings national attention to the case and the broader issues it represents, including concerns about racial disparities, the treatment of individuals with extensive criminal histories, and the role of prosecutors and judges in releasing defendants on low or no bail.

The details

According to reports, on March 11, Boston police officer Nicholas O'Malley shot and killed 39-year-old Stephenson King Jr. after an alleged carjacking, car chase, and confrontation. King had an extensive criminal history, with 47 prior charges in Boston alone, including breaking and entering, strangulation, and firearms offenses over the past two decades. At the time of the shooting, he was out on bail for four separate felonies and faced an outstanding warrant. A judge had released him on $0 bail just months earlier. O'Malley has been charged with manslaughter by the district attorney, who is seeking reelection. A GoFundMe campaign for O'Malley has raised over $500,000, and 60 officers attended his arraignment.

  • On March 11, 2026, Boston police officer Nicholas O'Malley shot and killed Stephenson King Jr.
  • King had 47 prior criminal charges in Boston, including felonies, and was out on bail for four separate offenses at the time of the shooting.
  • A judge had released King on $0 bail just months earlier.

The players

Ben Crump

A prominent civil rights attorney who has taken on the case of Stephenson King Jr.'s family, seeking justice and accountability.

Stephenson King Jr.

A 39-year-old Boston man with an extensive criminal history, including 47 prior charges, who was shot and killed by a police officer while out on bail for multiple felonies.

Nicholas O'Malley

The Boston police officer who shot and killed Stephenson King Jr. and has been charged with manslaughter.

Kevin Hayden

The district attorney who charged Officer O'Malley with manslaughter and is seeking reelection.

Maura Healey

The Massachusetts Attorney General who appointed the judge that released Stephenson King Jr. on $0 bail just months before the shooting.

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What’s next

The district attorney's office will continue its prosecution of Officer O'Malley, while Ben Crump and the King family pursue civil action and call for further accountability. The case is expected to spark ongoing debates around bail reform, repeat offenders, and police use of force.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the complex and often controversial intersections of criminal justice, police accountability, and social equity. It underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to address systemic issues, ensure fair and equitable treatment, and ultimately prevent such devastating outcomes in the future.