LAWRENCE, Mass. — The bench trial for former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons began Monday in Lawrence District Court, with a judge — not a jury — expected to weigh the evidence in the high‑profile case.
The defense and prosecution delivered opening statements, then the first witness in the case, North Andover Police Lieutenant Sean Daley, took the stand.
[ Watch live: Boston 25 News will have streaming coverage beginning at 9 a.m. ]
Fitzsimmons is charged with assault by means of a dangerous weapon after police say she pointed a gun at officers who were serving her a restraining order at her North Andover home last summer. Officers opened fire, striking her once in the chest.
Fitzsimmons, who survived the injury, was off duty at the time of the incident.
She has pleaded not guilty.
Her attorneys argue she never aimed her weapon at officers and was instead in the midst of a mental health crisis, struggling with severe postpartum depression. They say she intended to harm herself, not anyone else.
Fitzsimmons herself has maintained she never planned to hurt anyone.
Fitzsimmons waived her right to a jury trial, meaning a judge alone will issue the verdict once testimony and evidence conclude.
The trial is expected to last about a week and could wrap up by Friday.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW