Family of Boston Man Killed by Police Speaks Out

Stephenson King Jr.'s relatives say he struggled with mental illness and was hospitalized hours before his death.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:18pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car window or damaged sensor, capturing the harsh, gritty aftermath of a violent confrontation without depicting any actual violence or victims.The aftermath of a deadly police shooting of a man in mental health crisis exposes the urgent need for reform in how law enforcement responds to such situations.Boston Today

The family of Stephenson King Jr., a 39-year-old Black man shot and killed by a Boston police officer, spoke publicly for the first time about his history of mental illness and their efforts to get him help before his death. King Jr.'s father, three sisters, and his father's fiancé described his worsening condition in the days leading up to the incident and their attempts to have him involuntarily committed, which were denied. They are calling for the release of body camera footage and accountability for the officer involved.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges families face in navigating the mental health system and getting proper care for loved ones in crisis. It also raises questions about police use of force, especially when dealing with individuals experiencing mental health episodes. The family's calls for transparency and accountability reflect broader concerns in the Black community about disparities in how law enforcement interacts with people of color.

The details

According to the family, King Jr. had been hospitalized just hours before the fatal encounter with police on March 11. His father, Stephenson King Sr., had called 911 that day, and EMTs took King Jr. from the home on a stretcher. However, he was later released and ended up in another location, where police say he stole a car and was confronted by officers O'Malley and Ho. O'Malley shot and killed King Jr., saying he feared the other officer would be run over. The family says King Jr. had a history of mental health issues that worsened after his mother's death in 2009, and they tried multiple times to get him involuntarily committed, but were denied.

  • On March 11, King Jr. was taken from his home by EMTs after his father called 911.
  • Later that day, King Jr. was involved in the confrontation with police that led to his death.

The players

Stephenson King Jr.

A 39-year-old Black man who was shot and killed by a Boston police officer while experiencing a mental health crisis.

Stephenson King Sr.

The father of Stephenson King Jr. who had called 911 hours before his son's death in an attempt to get him help.

Ebony King Gibson

The sister of Stephenson King Jr. who described his worsening mental health condition in the months leading up to his death.

Ben Crump

A civil rights attorney representing the King family and calling for the release of body camera footage and accountability for the officer involved.

Officer Nicholas O'Malley

The Boston police officer who shot and killed Stephenson King Jr., saying he feared the other officer would be run over.

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What they’re saying

“The fact that he is a Black citizen and he's having a mental health crisis does not equal the death sentence. He should have been given due process, also the same due process that they're asking [for] for Officer O'Malley.”

— Ben Crump, Civil Rights Attorney

“I wasn't expecting him to be dead the same night. I was expecting to go and see him the next day and bring him home so he can be with me, so I can keep an eye on him.”

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

“He found out that his cousin, which would be his best friend, had committed suicide by taking a shotgun to his face. They were supposed to meet together the very next day. That's the day that he had the handgun. 'Cause he called me and said he wanted to take his life.”

— Ebony King Gibson, Sister of Stephenson King Jr.

What’s next

The Suffolk County District Attorney's office and Boston Police Department have declined to release the body camera footage from the incident, citing the ongoing investigation. The King family and their attorney, Ben Crump, are calling for the footage to be made public.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need for better mental health resources and crisis intervention training for law enforcement to prevent unnecessary loss of life, especially among marginalized communities. The family's calls for transparency and accountability reflect the continued distrust between police and communities of color.