Cambridge, Mass. – A formal inquest released Friday by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office determined that the use of deadly force by two Cambridge police officers was justified when they shot William Woodworth, 64, on Aug. 21. The finding follows a standard investigative process for police‑involved shootings in Middlesex County.
Incident Overview
Police were dispatched to a private parking lot on Temple Street after reports of loitering and possible drug activity. Officers recognized three individuals, including Woodworth, who was seated in a Jeep. Officer Donald Conrad approached the passenger side and instructed Woodworth to exit the vehicle. As Woodworth complied, he retrieved a gun from beneath the driver’s seat and pointed it at Officer David Kerns, who was moving in from the driver’s side.
Conrad ordered Woodworth to drop the weapon. Instead, Woodworth continued to aim the firearm at Kerns. Kerns attempted to disarm him by grabbing his arms while Conrad fired his service weapon through the window, striking Woodworth multiple times. Officer James Nestor, who was speaking with another individual at the scene, also fired a single shot from the driver’s side.
Body‑Camera Evidence
The inquest report includes body‑camera footage that captures the entire exchange, which lasted less than a minute. The video shows Woodworth exiting the Jeep, pulling the gun, and pointing it at the officers, followed by the rapid response of both officers. The footage was released as part of the public record.
Medical Findings
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that Woodworth was shot five times and died from those wounds at the scene. Police attempted to provide medical aid immediately after the shooting, but he was pronounced dead on site.
Background on Woodworth
Family members described Woodworth as having struggled with mental‑health challenges for much of his adult life and noted that he could become violent. Police records show two prior encounters with Cambridge law enforcement in which Woodworth was found with a firearm and a machete.
Inquest Conclusions
The inquest concluded that there was a real and imminent danger to the officers and other civilians present. It stated that any reasonable police officer in the same situation would have believed that serious injury or death was likely if the firearm had not been neutralized. Consequently, the two officers will not face criminal charges.
“Officer Nestor heard Officer Conrad’s commands, saw Woodworth pointing a firearm at Officer Kerns, and then engaged in a physical struggle with him. Any reasonable police officer in their position would reasonably believe that both the officers and civilians were in imminent danger of being seriously injured or killed,” the report reads.
Police Department Response
The Cambridge Police Department issued a statement praising the professionalism, courage, and training demonstrated by the officers. The department emphasized that the swift response helped prevent further serious injury or loss of life. It also expressed condolences to Woodworth’s family and loved ones, acknowledging the tragedy of the loss.
“We continue to extend our condolences to Mr. Woodworth’s family and loved ones as we acknowledge the findings of the independent review,” the department said.
Community Impact
The incident has reignited local conversations about public safety, mental‑health resources, and the appropriate use of force. While the inquest clears the officers of criminal liability, community leaders and faith‑based groups are urging continued dialogue on how to balance safety with compassion for individuals struggling with mental‑health issues.
City officials have indicated they will review existing protocols for responding to armed individuals, especially those with known mental‑health concerns, to ensure both officer safety and humane treatment.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
