Supporters of Boston police officer Nicholas O’Malley have raised more than $400,000 through an online fundraiser following his charge in the fatal shooting of a carjacking suspect. O’Malley, 33, faces voluntary manslaughter charges after shooting Stephenson King, 39, on March 11.
Details of the Incident and Legal Charges
O’Malley is accused of firing three shots through the driver’s side window of a vehicle driven by King, who was involved in a carjacking earlier that day. According to police reports, a woman was assaulted and forcibly removed from her running vehicle by King before the incident. Responding officers, including O’Malley, ordered King to raise his hands and turn off the car. King partially complied but then reversed into a police cruiser in an attempt to flee. O’Malley fired, fatally wounding King. O’Malley has pleaded not guilty and denies acting without justifiable cause.
Fundraiser and Political Response
The fundraiser, reportedly started by a fellow officer, has collected $414,000 to support O’Malley and his family amid the legal challenges. The GoFundMe page cites the officer’s two young children and uncertain financial future as reasons for support.
Boston city councilors have urged caution in drawing conclusions before the full facts are reviewed. Councilor John FitzGerald emphasized the need to consider the split-second nature of police decisions during violent encounters with known criminals. Councilor Erin Murphy highlighted King’s criminal history and called for the release of police bodycam footage to provide clarity on the case.
Fox News Digital has reached out to O’Malley’s attorney for comment.
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