Trial Proceedings: Officer Fitzsimmons on Trial
Officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons of the North Andover Police is currently on trial for assault with a deadly weapon. The proceedings include pivotal testimony from Officer Patrick Noonan, who shot Fitzsimmons in the chest during an incident in 2025.
Officer Noonan's Account
Officer Noonan testified that he discharged his firearm after Fitzsimmons allegedly pointed her weapon at him and pulled the trigger, which resulted in a "click" sound. He stated that she then performed a "tap rack" procedure twice, a tactical action to clear a jam and chamber a round.
Noonan testified that he fired two shots, striking Fitzsimmons once in the chest. The entire sequence, he claimed, lasted a mere four seconds. He asserted that Fitzsimmons was attempting to kill her fiancê.
Defense Argument
Fitzsimmons' defense attorney, Timothy Bradl, countered Noonan's account, arguing that Fitzsimmons was instead lifting the gun to her own head in an attempt to commit suicide. Bradl questioned Noonan on the use of deadly force against an individual exhibiting harm only to themselves.
The defense attorney further inquired why a Taser was not used in the situation. Noonan's response was direct:
"Deadly force is met with deadly force."
Background of the Incident
The incident unfolded on June 30, 2025, when Officer Noonan was attempting to serve a restraining order against Fitzsimmons.
The restraining order had been obtained by Fitzsimmons’ fiancê, Justin Aylaian, who had been granted custody of the couple’s 4-month-old son.
Fitzsimmons' defense stated she was suffering from severe postpartum depression at the time. This condition reportedly led Aylaian to move out of their home and seek the restraining order due to concerns for Fitzsimmons' or their son's safety. Fitzsimmons had been on leave from work after giving birth and was scheduled to return to her position in July 2025.
Trial Status
Fitzsimmons has requested a bench trial, meaning Judge Jeffrey Karp will determine the verdict without a jury.