Kevin Doherty
Kevin Doherty, 55, a graduate of Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, Massachusetts, and Merrimack College, was survived by his mother, sister, niece and nephews. He was held at the South Windsor Police Department holding cell in Connecticut on December 26, 2022, when staff noticed him in apparent distress; officers began CPR and took him to Manchester Hospital, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later. The Office of the Inspector General concluded that he died by suicide after an autopsy found he had put socks and pajama fabric in his throat, and that force used when he was taken into custody did not contribute to his death. News accounts report that he had made suicidal remarks at a hospital and was returned to police custody on Christmas Eve despite earlier suicide concerns. The medical examiner had earlier listed the manner of death as pending.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). The Connecticut Office of Inspector General and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner found that he choked on socks and pajama fabric he put in his throat, and the inspector general ruled it a suicide; he had been discharged from hospital back into police custody on Christmas Eve despite earlier suicide concerns.
Reported by: Connecticut Office of Inspector General (outside investigators); Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (medical examiner or coroner).
Custody: Awaiting trial.