The family of Francis P. Gigliotti II, who died in 2025 while in Haverhill police custody, is asking a federal jury to decide whether the city and police officers violated his civil rights.
Family members followed through this week on plans to file suit in U.S. District Court. Attorney Timothy J. Bradl told WHAV Wednesday how he sees the case unfolding.
“On behalf of the Gigliotti family, I can say that we are extremely pleased that Francis’ case is moving forward. We think of him every day and have every faith in the judicial system. A Boston federal jury will be evaluating his death with the proper scrutiny it deserves. We move forward with serenity and confidence that justice is coming,” he said.
Haverhill Police Chief Wayne J. Tracy responded, “The death of Mr. Gigliotti was tragic, and we recognize the loss experienced by his family. However, tragedy alone does not establish wrongdoing.” The police chief referenced previous investigations that found “officers acted reasonably under the circumstances.”
“The filing of a civil lawsuit does not invalidate the findings of those investigations, nor does it establish misconduct. I have unwavering confidence in the officers involved in this incident and stand firmly behind them. I will not allow the mere filing of a lawsuit to diminish their professionalism, their integrity, or their service to this community. We respect the judicial process and are confident that the facts will speak for themselves,” Tracy concluded.
Gigliotti’s mother, Mary Clohecy, filed the suit. Lawyers gave the city required advance notice of pending legal action last January, as WHAV reported at the time.
Police said Gigliotti “became unresponsive” during a July 11, 2025 “struggle” with a group of officers holding him outside of a Winter Street restaurant. They said the man ran “in the middle of the street and that he hit a car with his head then continued down White Street.”
More than a year ago, the state’s chief medical examiner ruled Gigliotti’s cause of death was “Cardiac dysrhythmia in a person with acute intoxication due to the combined effects of cocaine and ethanol while being restrained prone by police.”
Last January, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker said his office would not charge any Haverhill police officers after reviewing an 18-page review by independent consultant Eric Daigle of Plantsville, Conn.
“After a comprehensive review of the facts, applicable laws and consideration of the opinion of a retained independent expert, it is the view of my office and myself that criminal charges are not supportable and will not be pursued,” Tucker said.
The report said officers involved in subduing Gigliotti were Kristopher Buck, Brigitte Hamel, Michael Mills, Kaylee Sarfde, Richard Welch and Sgt. Thomas Howell. Officer Katelyn Tully, who died unexpectedly while on administrative leave was also involved.