Family calls for body camera footage release as Boston police officer faces manslaughter charge

Key Points:

• Stephenson King, Jr., a 39-year-old Black man with mental health issues, was fatally shot by Boston police officer Nicholas O'Malley on March 11; King's family is demanding the release of body camera footage to reveal the truth behind the incident.
• Officer O'Malley faces a voluntary manslaughter charge after firing three shots at King, who was a suspect in an unarmed carjacking and allegedly attempted to drive away when officers approached; O'Malley pleaded not guilty.
• Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden stated that O'Malley fired at a moving vehicle in violation of law and police procedures, and that King did not drive toward officers nor were they in the vehicle's path.
• The Boston Police Department and DA's office are investigating the case, which is being presented to a grand jury; however, they have no plans to release body camera footage to the public to avoid compromising the investigation.
• The Boston Police union expressed support for O'Malley, emphasizing the difficult split-second decisions officers must make, while Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox highlighted the department's commitment to community trust and refrained from commenting further due to ongoing legal proceedings.