courts Archives - Cambridge | Somerville Independent

Inquest clears police officers in fatal Aug. 21 shooting in Cambridge, with body camera footage playing a role

by Marc Levy October 2, 2026

A fatal shooting in Cambridge by two police officers was found in an inquest report to be “objectively reasonable” because the officers faced “imminent danger.”

OPINION

As Massachusetts eyes online safety, don’t let it silence marginalized voices

September 28, 2026

Massachusetts should implement measures to protect kids online. Following example that have already raised constitutional concerns should not be the approach.

NEWS

Third arrest is made in the July 4 shooting death of Xavier Bautista

by Marc Levy September 22, 2026

A Boston man has become the third person arrested in connection with the killing of Xavier Bautista. Moises Pimentel, 23, has been charged with murder.

DEVELOPMENT

Cambridge grapples with two lawsuits about zoning requiring affordable homes from private developers

by Marc Levy September 21, 2026

Two lawsuits challenging inclusionary zoning are set to be discussed in a closed-door City Council session, but staff expects to keep rates as they are.

NEWS

Authorities announce a second arrest in the July 4 killing of Xavier Bautista

by Marc Levy September 17, 2026

A second man has been arrested in connection with the July 4 killing of Xavier Bautista, a resident of The Port neighborhood in Cambridge and a city Public Works employee.

NEWS

Suspect in May 11 gun battle due to be arraigned on armed assault to murder, other charges

by Marc Levy September 9, 2026

Tyler Brown, 47 of Boston, will be arraigned Thursday in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn after police say he wielded an illegal AK-47 while in emotional distress.

NEWS

A formal inquest led by judge will look into circumstances around a fatal police shooting in Central Square

by Jake Klingensmith and Marc Levy August 31, 2026

A judicial inquest into an Aug. 21 shooting death in Cambridge’s Central Square was confirmed Monday, and the release of court reports and transcripts afterward.

NEWS

Haitians and Syrians sheltered in U.S. brace for disaster from change of status, with consequences for economy

by Catalina Mena July 24, 2026

Protections for 45,000 Haitians and almost 300 Syrians across Massachusetts are set to expire as soon as Monday after a second short delay by a judge.

NEWS

Fourth of July killing brings special Cambridge City Council meeting Thursday on tech and violence prevention

by Marc Levy July 18, 2026

A special meeting will update the community on “current, planned and recommended public safety and violence prevention work” since the killing of Xavier Bautista.

NEWS

Arrest is made in death of Xavier Bautista, killed by multiple men wearing masks

by Marc Levy July 13, 2026

A Canton man has been charged in the fatal shooting of Cantabrigian Xavier Bautista, but officials say the arrested man is just one of several involved in the July 4 killing.