Investigation Into Death of 14-year-old in Fall River
Bristol County District Attorney’s Office
Thomas M. Quinn III
District Attorney
PRESS RELEASE
October 22, 2020
Fall River Police, Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to this office and prosecutors are actively investigating the unattended death of a 14-year-old Fall River boy.
At around 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, Fall River Police received a 911 call regarding an unresponsive male at 107 Green Street. When first responders arrived on scene, they observed the girlfriend of the victim’s father performing CPR on 14-year-old David Almond.
David Almond, who suffered from an intelectual disability, was rushed to Charlton Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
During the course of the investigation into David Almond’s death yesterday, investigators found evidence of daily narcotics abuse by the adults inside the home, and also determined that the deceased’s twin brother, who is also intellectually disabled, was a victim of neglect.
The twin bother and a third child who was also residing in the home are now in DCF custody.
Last night, investigators took John Michael Almond, 33, and his girlfriend, Jaclyn Marie Coleman, 26, into custody. Both defendants will be arraigned today in Fall River District Court on charges of caretaker neglect of a disabled person and possession of a Class A drug.
Ms. Coleman is also being charged at this time with assault and battery on a police officer and the obstruction of justice portion of the state’s witness intimidation statute. She is accused of attempting to destroy a cell phone in the presence of police officers and then assaulting one of the officer’s who attempted to stop her from destroying the device.
The caretaker neglect charges relate to the surviving brother and not the deceased.
An autopsy will be conducted on David Almond later today or tomorrow. The investigation into his death remains extremely active. If, after autopsy findings are known, further information can be disseminated or new charges are lodged, this office will send out a follow up media advisory in the days or weeks ahead.
Today’s arraignment will be handled by Assistant District Attorney Seth Aitken.
Contact:
Gregg Miliote
Director of Communications
774-292-9576