Contact: Nathan Lederman 508-584-8120
PLYMOUTH – A Brockton man was found not guilty by reason of insanity today on a murder charge related to the 2021 beating death of his father, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz has announced.
Stephen M. Walcott Jr., 46, was found not guilty of First-Degree Murder by reason of insanity. Walcott Jr. will be housed at Bridgewater State Hospital to receive continued mental health treatment and will remain there pending further determination by the hospital.
On the evening of February 8, 2021, East Bridgewater Police responded to a request for a well-being check at a home at 137 Cedar Street. Upon arrival, first responders located a male victim — identified as 70-year-old Stephen Walcott Sr. — suffering from apparent head trauma. Walcott Sr. was pronounced dead by emergency responders at the scene.
East Bridgewater Police contacted Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office and an investigation commenced. Witnesses reported that a person driving a white sedan who matched the description of Walcott Jr. was seen at the victim’s home earlier in the afternoon. The defendant was arrested that day without incident after he arrived at his mother’s house, where he resided, in Brockton. Walcott Jr. was subsequently charged with First-Degree Murder.
“I respect the decision of the jury in this difficult case,” D.A. Cruz said. “My office would like to assure the public that Walcott Jr. is not being released as a result of this verdict. He will receive mental health treatment while in the custody of Bridgewater State Hospital and will not be released into the community until medical professionals determine he is not a danger to himself or others.”