Lawyer Says Defendant Shot 1 Falmouth Police Officer, Not 2

FALMOUTH, MA — The lawyer representing an East Falmouth man accused of shooting two police officers told a Barnstable Court Grand Jury his client likely shot just one of the officers. Attorney Brian Kelley said it's likely one was accidentally shot by the other officer during the July 2018 shooting on Ashley Drive, the Cape Cod Times reported.

Prosecutors said Falmouth officers Ryan Moore and Donald DeMiranda were shot while investigating a report of a man breaking bottles. Authorities said Malik Koval, 21, became agitated when the officers confronted him, so he ran into his house, grabbed a gun and shot Moore and DeMiranda. The officers returned fire, and all three men involved in the shooting were hospitalized but survived.

Kelley believes DNA testing on the casings will prove that Koval didn't shoot both police officers.

"Our position is Officer DeMiranda shot Officer Moore," Kelley told the Cape Cod Times Monday. "From what we’ve learned, the two bullets found on the front lawn came from DeMiranda's gun, according to ballistics. It seems possible, and I think likely, that Moore was shot by DeMiranda."

Authorities from the Cape and Island's District Attorney's office said they remain confident in the case and the investigation.

Moore and Miranda have been on the Falmouth police force for about six years. The officers were recognized by police officers across the state at the 36th Annual Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery, following the shooting. Moore and Miranda received the Medal of Honor.