Nationwide — The family of Stephenson King Jr., a 39-year-old African American man fatally shot by a police officer in Boston, Massachussetts, is calling for the release of body camera footage from the March 11 incident. The request comes as the former officer faces a voluntary manslaughter charge tied to the shooting.
King’s father, Stephenson King Sr., a retired law enforcement officer, said his son dealt with mental health challenges. He said the family remains devastated and described feeling “hurt, disappointed in everything that has happened.”
According to ABC News, family attorney Ben Crump said the officer acted as “the judge, the jury, and the executioner” during the encounter. He said the family is pushing for the footage to be made public to ensure full transparency and clarity about what happened.
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said officers were responding to an unarmed carjacking investigation when they encountered King. He said King did not comply with commands to exit his vehicle and tried to drive away, which led to the shooting.
According to Hayden, former Boston police officer Nicholas O’Malley fired three shots as the vehicle moved, striking King. King died at the scene. Authorities said investigators have already reviewed body camera footage but will not release it while the case is active, citing concerns about the ongoing investigation and grand jury process.
O’Malley’s certification was suspended by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission following the incident. His union expressed support, saying officers often make “split-second decisions in dangerous and rapidly evolving situations. These decisions are made in real time, under intense pressure, and with the responsibility of protecting the public, their fellow officers, and themselves.”
Boston Police leadership said the department will let the court process continue while the investigation moves forward.