Mass. police detective found guilty of killing wife and staging it as suicide
03/23/2023 1:47 pm PDT
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (TCD) -- A former Westfield police detective will spend the rest of his life behind bars for fatally shooting his wife.
According to a news release from Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, on May 8, 2018, Amy Fanion was found shot to death in her home, and it appeared to be "self-inflicted." However, upon further investigation, officials reportedly determined her husband, Brian Fanion, fatally shot her with his service pistol.
Assistant District Attorney Mary Sandstrom argued that Brian Fanion and his wife got into an argument, and he didn’t want to give up half his pension to her, WWLP-TV reports. Fanion reportedly used his Westfield Police Department work computer to look up how divorce affects a pension.
Additionally, Fanion allegedly searched the internet for gunshot residue information prior to his wife’s death even though he wasn’t assigned any investigations that would require such research.
According to WWLP, Fanion also looked up various household poisons and ways people could overdose.
On Wednesday, March 22, Gulluni said Fanion was found guilty of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
In a statement, Gulluni said, "Mr. Fanion’s behavior was calculating and shockingly cruel. I commend the members of the jury who saw through his defense and held him accountable."
Gulluni continued, "This result illustrates that no matter your position or power, justice is blind. I thank our entire team, especially Assistant District Attorney Mary Sandstrom for her phenomenal efforts and commitment to justice for Amy."
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