Judicial Inquest Scheduled In Fatal Cambridge Police Shooting

CAMBRIDGE, MA — A judicial inquest into the fatal shooting of a man by Cambridge Police last month is scheduled to begin next week, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced.

The inquest into the death of William Woodworth, 64, of Watertown, is scheduled to begin Wednesday, Sept. 9, and will be conducted by Judge Holly Broadbent. Woodworth was fatally shot by police shortly after 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, on Temple Street after allegedly pointing a firearm at officers.

Cambridge Police initially responded after receiving a call on the department's business line reporting suspicious individuals in a loading dock and parking lot behind area businesses. The caller told police the individuals had been in the area for an extended period of time.

Officers arrived and began speaking with multiple people at the scene. According to investigators, Woodworth was seated in a vehicle when police arrived before allegedly getting out and pointing a firearm at officers. Police officers attempted to physically disarm him before multiple shots were fired, striking Woodworth. A loaded firearm was recovered from him.

Medical aid was provided at the scene, but Woodworth was pronounced dead. Several officers were also transported to area hospitals as a precaution before being treated and released.

Under state law, the district attorney's office is responsible for investigating officer-involved shootings. The Middlesex District Attorney's Office began requesting judicial inquests into fatal officer-involved shootings in 2018.

An inquest is a judicial proceeding used to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding a death and whether a crime occurred. According to Ryan's office, the process allows an impartial judge to review evidence, hear testimony from witnesses under oath, and ultimately issue findings following the proceeding.

The family of the person who died is also permitted to attend the proceedings. The court's report and transcripts will become public following the conclusion of the inquest. Ryan's office said it also plans to release additional records, video, photos and audio recordings that are permitted to be disclosed under state law.

The shooting has remained under investigation by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the district attorney's office, and Cambridge Police. Investigators have conducted witness interviews and reviewed available video from the area, including footage from body-worn cameras worn by responding officers.

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