DA: Framingham drug raid shooting death an ‘accident’

DA: Framingham drug raid shooting death an ‘accident’

By Associated Press  |   Wednesday, March 9, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

FRAMINGHAM -- A Framingham police officer who shot and killed a 68-year-old man during an early morning drug raid will not face criminal charges.

The Middlesex district attorney’s office says officer Paul Duncan stumbled and accidentally fired his rifle, hitting Eurie Stamps as he lay on the floor on his stomach with his hands up.

Authorities said Wednesday that an investigation shows Duncan lost his balance while preparing to handcuff Stamps and check him for weapons after members of the SWAT team entered the Fountain Street home just after midnight on Jan. 5.

Prosecutors say Duncan’s actions "do not rise to the level of criminal conduct, and the shooting death of Eurie Stamps was an accident."

The raid led to the arrest of two men who have pleaded not guilty to charges including cocaine possession.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1322208