Fatal Easton Police-Involved Shooting Under Investigation
Bristol County District Attorney’s Office
Thomas M. Quinn III
District Attorney
Press Release
February 6, 2023
Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the district attorney’s office and prosecutors are actively investigating a fatal police shooting, which occurred in the Town of Easton on Sunday.
The following information is only preliminary in nature. A full investigation is underway and a final report on all facts, circumstances and conclusions will be released publicly upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that on Sunday morning at around 11:30 a.m., the Southeastern Regional Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from an Ashland resident requesting a well-being check be conducted for his mother in Easton. The caller stated that his mother, Marianne Griffiths, 56, had told him that she had injected herself with a dangerous amount of insulin in an attempt to commit suicide.
When Easton Police arrived at 32 Spooner Street, they encountered Griffiths and other family members. After a brief discussion with her, she ran downstairs and threatened that she would shoot the police and herself. The officers inside immediately evacuated the other people in the home and exited the residence. At that point Griffiths ran back upstairs, approached the front entry way to the home and pointed what appeared to be a rifle at the officers, who were now standing outside the home. An Easton Police Officer then fired one shot, before retreating to cover.
Griffiths was struck once in the chest and died. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Once police re-entered the home, they secured the rifle Griffiths was holding, which turned out to be a pump action BB gun.
Preliminary information obtained thus far indicates Griffiths suffered from long-term mental health issues and suicidal ideation.
Our office will be unable to comment further on this case while the investigation is pending.
Contact:
Gregg Miliote
Director of Communications
774-292-9576