Still No Closure 1 Year After Newton Police Fatally Shot A Man

NEWTON, MA — One year after 28-year-old Michael Conlon was fatally shot by Newton Police inside a building on Lincoln Street, the investigation into his death his still ongoing.

Conlon was shot by Newton police on January 5, 2021 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.

Last month, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan requested that an inquest, or a confidential investigative hearing, be conducted for Conlon.

During an inquest proceeding, prosecutors present evidence and call witnesses to testify and ultimately a judge will make a finding. The DA's office then uses 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 in December. "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. “

The inquest is 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.