Seven Haverhill police officers are on paid administrative leave following an incident that resulted in the death of Francis Gigliotti, 43, in Massachusetts. The Boston Globe reports that the officers were placed on leave last Friday, as announced by Haverhill Police Chief Robert P. Pistone Jr. after an altercation outside Bradford Seafood Restaurant & Fish Market left Gigliotti unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The circumstances of Gigliotti's death have sparked significant community concern and protest. According to a video posted on Facebook by Gigliotti's niece and obtained by The Boston Globe, approximately half-a-dozen officers can be seen crowding around Gigliotti as he lies face down, crying for help. Amid the struggle with the officers, who received calls about Gigliotti acting erratically before his apprehension, he became unresponsive.
Gigliotti's death prompted protesters to call for increased police accountability and better training for officers regarding mental health crises. It's reported by The Boston Globe that Gigliotti's fiancée, Michelle Rooney, heard Gigliotti's pleas over the phone moments before the confrontation that led to his death. Gigliotti, who allegedly had a history of mental health issues, was reportedly telling Rooney, "They gonna kill me," shortly before becoming unresponsive.
As the investigation continues, the lack of body cameras on Haverhill police officers leaves a gap, filled in part by bystander video. Witnesses have been sending video evidence to investigators to help piece together the events leading up to Gigliotti's death. WCVB shared a statement from Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett, who has urged for transparency in the ongoing investigation and expressed her dedication toward implementing a body camera program within the police department.
The community's response to the incident has included a peaceful protest to honor Gigliotti and demand change. A detailed investigation by the Essex County District Attorney's office is currently underway, as the search for answers and justice for Francis Gigliotti remains at the forefront of Haverhill's concerns.
