Kelsey Fitzsimmons assault case and aftermath
North Andover Police Chief Charles Gray was placed on administrative leave on April 17, 2026, following a vote of no confidence from police unions, citing leadership failures related to the Kelsey Fitzsimmons case. As of April 18, 2026: Former officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons, acquitted of assault with a dangerous weapon on March 26, 2026, is reportedly suing the town, and an abuse prevention order against her was modified on April 14, 2026, to allow contact with her son and ex-fiancé. Police unions are also demanding Chief Gray's removal, citing concerns about body cameras and stalled policy approvals that surfaced after Fitzsimmons' acquittal by Judge Jeffrey Karp.
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April 2026 — 4 developments
North Andover Police Chief Charles Gray was placed on administrative leave on April 17, 2026, after …
North Andover Police Chief Charles Gray was placed on administrative leave on April 17, 2026, after police unions issued a vote of no confidence, citing the "recent publicized case" as an example of leadership failures. This follows the acquittal of former officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons on March 26, 2026.
Following her acquittal, former North Andover officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons is reportedly suing the town.
Following her acquittal, former North Andover officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons is reportedly suing the town. Police unions are also demanding the removal of Police Chief Charles Gray, citing concerns about the lack of body cameras and stalled policy approvals that have surfaced in the wake of the Fitzsimmons case.
An abuse prevention order against Kelsey Fitzsimmons was modified on April 14, 2026, to allow her contact with her son and ex-fiancé, Justin Aylaian.
An abuse prevention order against Kelsey Fitzsimmons was modified on April 14, 2026, to allow her contact with her son and ex-fiancé, Justin Aylaian. This modification follows her acquittal on March 26, 2026, of assault with a dangerous weapon charges stemming from a June 30, 2025, incident.
Kelsey Fitzsimmons was found not guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon on March 26, 2026.
Kelsey Fitzsimmons was found not guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon on March 26, 2026. Following her acquittal, Fitzsimmons expressed relief and stated her legal team would pursue action against the North Andover Police Department. North Andover police unions are calling for the removal of Police Chief Charles Gray, citing the acquittal as an example of leadership failures.
March 2026 — 7 developments
Former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons was acquitted of assault with a dangerous weapon charges on March 26, 2026, by Judge Jeffrey Karp.
Former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons was acquitted of assault with a dangerous weapon charges on March 26, 2026, by Judge Jeffrey Karp. The charges stemmed from a June 2025 incident where Fitzsimmons allegedly pointed her service weapon at a fellow officer, but she maintained she was experiencing a mental health crisis.
Closing arguments are expected on Thursday, March 27, 2026, in the bench trial of former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons.
Closing arguments are expected on Thursday, March 27, 2026, in the bench trial of former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons. The prosecution rested its case on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, after which the defense began presenting its witnesses, including Fitzsimmons.
During her bench trial, Officer Patrick Noonan testified that he may have called Kelsey Fitzsimmons a "whack job" after the incident.
During her bench trial, Officer Patrick Noonan testified that he may have called Kelsey Fitzsimmons a "whack job" after the incident. Fitzsimmons testified in her own defense, stating she never pointed her service weapon at anyone but herself, as she was experiencing a mental health crisis and intended to harm herself.
Former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons is on trial for assault with a dangerous weapon, stemming from an incident on June 30, 2025.
Former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons is on trial for assault with a dangerous weapon, stemming from an incident on June 30, 2025. Prosecutors allege she pointed her service weapon at a fellow officer who then shot her in self-defense, while Fitzsimmons claims she pointed the gun at herself due to postpartum depression. Fitzsimmons has waived her right to a jury trial.
A judge has ruled that former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons can move into her own apartment and seek custody of her child.
A judge has ruled that former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons can move into her own apartment and seek custody of her child. This ruling comes as her trial for assault with a dangerous weapon is scheduled to begin on March 23, 2026. Fitzsimmons was previously under her parents' supervision and unable to see her son.
Former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons' trial is scheduled for March 23, 2026.
Former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons' trial is scheduled for March 23, 2026. A judge recently eased some of her bail conditions, permitting her to move into her own residence while remaining under strict probation. The defense is highlighting Fitzsimmons's struggles with postpartum depression.
Attorneys for North Andover officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons are seeking to have witnesses sequestered and labels like "victim" or "suspect" barred during her upcoming trial.
Attorneys for North Andover officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons are seeking to have witnesses sequestered and labels like "victim" or "suspect" barred during her upcoming trial. They also want jurors questioned about any ties to suicide or law enforcement and to limit the trial's scope to the shooting incident itself. Fitzsimmons' trial is expected to begin soon.
February 2026 — 5 developments
A new judge has relaxed release conditions for Kelsey Fitzsimmons, a former North Andover police officer charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.
A new judge has relaxed release conditions for Kelsey Fitzsimmons, a former North Andover police officer charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. Fitzsimmons now only needs to provide 2 hours' notice to probation to see her attorneys, a change from the previous 2-day requirement. Her trial is scheduled to begin in approximately three weeks.
Kelsey Fitzsimmons' attorneys have filed new court documents alleging her former fiancé, Justin Ayla…
Kelsey Fitzsimmons' attorneys have filed new court documents alleging her former fiancé, Justin Aylaian, broke into her home and stole evidence, including her laptop, which was then used to withdraw $5,000 from her bank accounts. Fitzsimmons' lawyers claim video shows Aylaian and other men breaking into her home three days after she was shot. The defense argues that prosecutors have declined to charge Aylaian.
Kelsey Fitzsimmons is questioning the prosecution's handling of her case and has presented new evidence, including video, that her ex-fiancé allegedly broke into her home.
Kelsey Fitzsimmons is questioning the prosecution's handling of her case and has presented new evidence, including video, that her ex-fiancé allegedly broke into her home. Her attorneys have filed a motion seeking disclosure of any agreements with witnesses, including the ex-fiancé and the officer who shot Fitzsimmons.
Attorneys for Kelsey Fitzsimmons, a former police officer charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, have filed a motion requesting the recusal of Judge Kathleen McCarthy-Neyman.
Attorneys for Kelsey Fitzsimmons, a former police officer charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, have filed a motion requesting the recusal of Judge Kathleen McCarthy-Neyman. The defense alleges the judge has demonstrated bias through her demeanor and actions during substantive hearings.
The case of MA v.
The case of MA v. Kelsey Fitzsimmons is listed for a court appearance during the week of February 9, 2026. This update comes from a Reddit post detailing upcoming trials and hearings, and it provides links to live streams and trial updates from Court TV. The specific listing suggests a procedural step in the ongoing legal proceedings.
January 2026 — 2 developments
The trial for North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons has been rescheduled to March 23, 2026.
The trial for North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons has been rescheduled to March 23, 2026. The trial was initially set for February 9, 2026, but was postponed due to a scheduling conflict. Fitzsimmons faces charges of assault with a dangerous weapon following an incident where she was shot by a fellow officer.
Kelsey Fitzsimmons' trial has been discussed with potential delays and discovery issues highlighted.
Kelsey Fitzsimmons' trial has been discussed with potential delays and discovery issues highlighted. Her legal team is reviewing evidence, including extensive video and training records, and anticipates a trial lasting two to three days.
December 2025 — 6 developments
Kelsey Fitzsimmons, a North Andover police officer, was indicted for assault by means of a dangerous weapon by an Essex County grand jury on August 26, 2025.
Kelsey Fitzsimmons, a North Andover police officer, was indicted for assault by means of a dangerous weapon by an Essex County grand jury on August 26, 2025. Her law enforcement certification was suspended on July 17, 2025, after she was shot by colleagues serving a restraining order on June 30, 2025. Fitzsimmons was later released from jail on December 23, 2025.
North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons was released from jail on December 23, 2025, after being held for over 100 days.
North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons was released from jail on December 23, 2025, after being held for over 100 days. Her lawyers stated she was suffering from postpartum depression and the incident was a 'half-hearted attempt to take her own life.' Fitzsimmons had been unable to comply with daily alcohol testing due to injuries sustained when she was shot by a fellow officer in June 2025, but her release was permitted as she had recovered sufficiently.
Former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons has been released from jail pending trial after being held for over 100 days.
Former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons has been released from jail pending trial after being held for over 100 days. Her attorneys stated she can now comply with daily alcohol testing, a condition previously hindered by injuries sustained when she was shot by a colleague. Fitzsimmons faces a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon.
Kelsey Fitzsimmons, a former Massachusetts police officer, has been released from jail pending trial.
Kelsey Fitzsimmons, a former Massachusetts police officer, has been released from jail pending trial. She had been held without bond on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon after allegedly pointing a weapon at a colleague while serving a restraining order. Her release was granted after her lawyers argued she could now comply with alcohol testing, which her injuries had previously prevented. A grand jury had previously declined to indict her on a more serious charge of armed assault with intent to murder.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) has upheld the detention of former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) has upheld the detention of former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons. The SJC affirmed the lower court's findings, meaning Fitzsimmons will remain incarcerated. She was indicted on one count of assault by means of a dangerous weapon for allegedly pointing a firearm at an officer serving her with an abuse prevention order on June 30, 2025.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has denied an appeal filed by Kelsey Fitzsimmons, a former North Andover police officer.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has denied an appeal filed by Kelsey Fitzsimmons, a former North Andover police officer. Fitzsimmons was indicted on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon following an incident where she was shot by a colleague while police were serving her with a restraining order.
November 2025 — 1 developments
A grand jury has rejected the charge of armed assault with intent to murder against former Massachusetts police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons.
A grand jury has rejected the charge of armed assault with intent to murder against former Massachusetts police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons. She has been indicted solely on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon. This follows an incident where she was shot by a fellow officer.
October 2025 — 1 developments
Fitzsimmons returned to court and continued to fight for reconnection with her child.
Fitzsimmons returned to court and continued to fight for reconnection with her child. Her attorney was filing a petition to the Supreme Judicial Court to revisit bail conditions. A stipulation on child visitation was nearing agreement, indicating positive steps toward reconnection.
September 2025 — 1 developments
Fitzsimmons was ordered to be released to her mother and stepfather under GPS-monitored home confine…
Fitzsimmons was ordered to be released to her mother and stepfather under GPS-monitored home confinement pending trial after pleading not guilty to assault by means of a dangerous weapon. The judge found her to be a danger but set conditions for release, including no contact with her infant child. She had recently been released from the hospital after surgery for her gunshot wound.
August 2025 — 2 developments
A grand jury indicted Fitzsimmons on a charge of assault by means of a dangerous weapon, declining to indict her on the more severe charge of armed assault with intent to murder.
A grand jury indicted Fitzsimmons on a charge of assault by means of a dangerous weapon, declining to indict her on the more severe charge of armed assault with intent to murder. An Essex Superior Court judge denied her second bail appeal, citing a lack of a satisfactory release plan. She had been arraigned from her hospital bed on charges of armed assault with intent to murder and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, pleading not guilty.
Fitzsimmons, still hospitalized, sought release from custody.
Fitzsimmons, still hospitalized, sought release from custody. Her attorney argued that a doctor determined she was not a danger due to mental illness and should be reunited with her child. The judge decided to hold off on a ruling regarding her release.
July 2025 — 1 developments
Kelsey Fitzsimmons, a former North Andover police officer, was diagnosed with postpartum depression …
Kelsey Fitzsimmons, a former North Andover police officer, was diagnosed with postpartum depression prior to being shot by a colleague on June 30, 2025, while being served a restraining order filed by her fiancé. She was indicted for assault with a dangerous weapon and later released from jail on December 23, 2025, after her injuries healed sufficiently to comply with alcohol testing.