Update:

The Boston Herald is reporting that it was an accidental drug overdose that killed a person back in June at a South Boston housing development apartment. Four children were removed by the state due to the conditions of the apartment. To keep you up to speed, this situation caused quite a controversy between police, fire, and local politicians, including City Councilor Kendra Lara, releasing a statement where she accused colleagues of “homophobic and transphobic rhetoric.”

According to the article in the Herald, the cause of death was determined to be “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of cocaine and methamphetamine,” and the manner of death is listed as an accident. The death certificate also identifies the person who died as Giovanni Murray, a 26-year-old man described in a Boston Police Department report as a “male to female transgender” person. You can read more details about this new information here. 

Back in June, the Boston police and Mayor Michelle Wu disputed the report filed by the Boston fire department that stated the victim died of an apparent drug overdose and witnessed drug paraphernalia in the apartment.

The Suffolk District Attorney’s office is currently conducting a standard death investigation of the drug overdose in addition to a fact-finding inquiry into “other issues present in the incident,” according to the Herald.

See the background info below.

The Background:

Due to all the unanswered questions, the 381 Old Colony Ave. case involving children and a death investigation is still in the news.  This time, Congressman and Southie native Stephen Lynch would like some answers.

To refresh your memory, first, it was the disturbing report of a call that was made on Saturday, June 17th, around 11am at 381 Old Colony Ave. for a person in cardiac arrest. In addition, to a person found dead in the apartment, first responders, BFD, also discovered alcohol, drugs, sex toys, and four children, ages 5 to 10, living in deplorable conditions – initially being hidden from firefighters.

BFD filed a 51A form –  a form via the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families that allows one to Report of Child(ren) Alleged to be Suffering from Abuse or Neglect.  The four children involved were removed from the apartment and are currently in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.

Last Thursday, the BPD came out with a conflicting report of the incident refuting that there were drugs, sex toys etc. on scene.  According to the Globe, there were two reports filed by the police. The initial report did not mention children at the scene at all. On Sunday, police then created a supplemental report and filed a 51A, a report of possible abuse or neglect, with the DCF “regarding conditions in the home.” 

Mayor Michelle Wu added her 2 cents by disputing “some of the information that’s been floating out there,” saying that it didn’t come directly from first responders. Wu said “there have been some second- and third-hand accounts from those who were not at the scene,” and do not match the reports that were filed.

Over the weekend, Sam Dillion, president of Boston Firefighters Local 718, defended the actions of the responding firefighters. “Local 718 stands squarely behind the actions taken by our firefighters,” Dillon told the Herald on Friday. “The integrity of the firefighters involved in this incident is beyond reproach. Their swift action to address what they encountered should be commended by everyone involved.”

On Monday, representatives from Boston Police, Boston Fire, EMS, Boston Housing Authority, and members of the City Council joined Lynch, who toured the Mary Ellen McCormack complex, the center of the controversial case.

“One idea here today is to try to get more facts in terms of what exactly transpired,” Lynch told Fox 25 News. He also added, “There was some drug paraphilia and also some questionable circumstances.” 

The housing authority said it’s working closely with police following the events. At this point in time, no one has publicly addressed the death of an adult or the four children who are now in state custody.

Lynch became involved due to the fact this complex is receiving federal funds for a redevelopment that is slated to begin next year. According to those in attendance at the tour, the next step in this case is to figure out the response timeline. The case is still under investigation, and the names of the adults involved have not been released.  There have been no charges as of now.