Essex DA Declines Charges In Haverhill Man's Restraint Death
Essex DA Paul Tucker said seven officers will not face charges after Francis Gigliotti died July 11 while restrained for 2 minutes, 25 seconds.
Overview
Essex District Attorney Paul Tucker announced Tuesday that his office will not file criminal charges against seven Haverhill police officers over the July 11 death of 43-year-old Francis Gigliotti.
Tucker said after a comprehensive review and consultation with retained expert Eric P. Daigle that "criminal charges are not supportable," despite a medical examiner ruling the death a homicide from cardiac dysrhythmia with acute cocaine and ethanol intoxication while restrained prone.
Eric P. Daigle, a use-of-force expert retained by the DA, told investigators he reviewed video, audio, witness statements and department policies and concluded the officers "exercised sound judgment," the DA's office said.
Witness video and investigators' review showed officers were not wearing body cameras, held Gigliotti prone for 2 minutes and 25 seconds, administered Narcan, initiated CPR and transferred care to EMS, officials said.
Gigliotti's fiancée said he was experiencing a mental health crisis, relatives and advocacy groups have disputed the decision and may pursue civil remedies, and Tucker said a medical examiner's homicide finding is not determinative, officials said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources are neutral: they present the DA’s ruling, witness videos showing officers holding Gigliotti face down, autopsy findings and medical cause, and DOJ guidance on prone restraint. By quoting officials, noting video evidence, and including policing-expert context without loaded language or selective omission, the coverage avoids overt editorial framing.