The public has reacted substantially to Judge John Coffey's decision in the inquiry into the death of Sayed Arif Faisal, aged 20. Faisal was tragically killed by Cambridge Police Officer Liam McMahon on January 4, 2023, with an inquest following between May 22-25, 2023.
The Court heard testimonies from twenty-nine witnesses, reviewed fifty-three exhibits, and conducted an on-site viewing of where the incident occurred. Importantly, Judge Coffey ruled Officer McMahon's use of lethal force to be justified under Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386, 396-397 (1989), as released by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office.
District Attorney Marian Ryan accepted the Court's findings, thus filed a certificate in the Superior Court, effectively closing the case. The Cambridge Police Department was given the report for possible internal review and action. Subsequent to the Court's ruling, District Attorney Ryan offered condolences to Sayed Arif Faisal's family, acknowledging the deep sorrow caused by his loss.
