DA’s Office Requests Inquest For Man Shot By Newton Police

NEWTON, MA — Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has requested that an inquest be conducted for 28-year-old Michael Conlon, the man who was fatally shot by Newton Police inside a building on Lincoln Street earlier this year.

The inquest, which is a confidential investigative hearing for the purpose of gathering information to determine whether a crime as occurred, will allow for the review of all facts and circumstances of the case by a neutral party.

During the inquest proceeding, prosecutors will present evidence and call witnesses to testify and ultimately a judge will make a finding. The DA’s office will then use that finding to decide whether to seek a Grand Jury indictment or to close the case.

"As the District Attorney, it is my statutory obligation to investigate officer-involved shootings,” said Ryan in a statement published by Mayor Ruthanne Fuller. "I believe in doing so in a way that ensures both transparency and accountability. It is my responsibility to ensure that each of these cases receives a complete and unbiased review. “

Conlon was shot by Newton police on January 5 after flashing a knife in a candy shop in Newton Highlands during a mental health crisis. His death caused an outcry in Newton and renewed calls for police reform.

The inquest is scheduled to begin this month in Newton District Court and will be closed to the public with the exception of Conlon’s family. At its conclusion, the DA will release the findings and the names of the officers involved to the public.