Boston Police Officer Charged in Fatal Shooting of Man with Mental Illness

Family calls for transparency as they seek answers about the death of Stephenson King Jr.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered car window glass reflecting a faint red light, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the aftermath of a violent police encounter.The fatal police shooting of a man with mental illness exposes ongoing tensions over accountability and transparency in law enforcement.Boston Today

The father of Stephenson King Jr., a 39-year-old man killed by a Boston police officer during an attempted arrest, is speaking out and calling for transparency in the investigation. King Jr. was shot three times as he tried to drive away from officers, and the officer who fired the shots, Nicholas O'Malley, has been charged with manslaughter. The family says King Jr. was suffering from mental illness and they had sought treatment for him.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities of color, as well as the need for better training and protocols when dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises. The family's calls for transparency and due process reflect broader concerns about accountability and racial disparities in policing.

The details

According to officials, Officer O'Malley claims he fired because another officer was in danger of being struck and killed by the car during the escape attempt. However, civil rights attorney Ben Crump said O'Malley acted as "judge, jury, and executioner" that day. The Suffolk County District Attorney has charged O'Malley with manslaughter, but has not yet allowed the King family to view the body camera footage from the incident.

  • The shooting occurred on March 11, 2026.
  • Officer O'Malley was charged with manslaughter and is off the job.

The players

Stephenson King Sr.

The father of Stephenson King Jr., who was killed by Boston police.

Stephenson King Jr.

A 39-year-old man who was shot and killed by Boston police following a carjacking incident.

Officer Nicholas O'Malley

The Boston police officer who was charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of Stephenson King Jr.

Ben Crump

A nationally known civil rights attorney representing the King family.

Michael Cox

The Boston Police Commissioner who is deferring to the District Attorney on the decision to release the body camera footage.

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What they’re saying

“I apologize if I seem a little angry, but I am. I'm hurt, dissapointed in everything that's happened. That day I put my son in that ambulance, I wasn't expecting him to be dead that same night.”

— Stephenson King Sr., Father of Stephenson King Jr.

“He should've been given due process also, the same due process that they're asking for Officer O'Malley! We want that same due process for black people in the black community of Boston!”

— Ben Crump, Civil Rights Attorney

“Officer Nicholas O'Malley has always maintained a stellar record as a sworn Boston police officer.... We will not rest until Officer O'Malley is rightfully acquitted.”

— David Yannetti, Attorney Representing Officer O'Malley

What’s next

The Suffolk County District Attorney has not yet allowed the King family to view the body camera footage from the incident. A Boston City Councilor believes state law would allow the Boston Police Commissioner to release the video to the family.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing public safety, mental health support, and accountability in law enforcement. The King family's calls for transparency and due process reflect the need for systemic reforms to address racial disparities and improve crisis intervention training for officers.