For Immediate Release October 15, 2007                                      
Contact: Corey Welford/Meredith Lerner 617-679-6522                                                         

65-Year-Old Everett Man Arraigned In Connection With The Murder Of His Ex-Wife

CAMBRIDGE - Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone’s office informed the public today that a 65-Year-Old Everett man has been arraigned in Cambridge Superior Court in connection with the alleged murder of his ex-wife, Dorothy Philbrook, age 65, also of Everett.

George Philbrook, age 65, of Everett, was arraigned Friday on charges of murder, possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, possession of a defaced firearm used during a felony, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.  Philbrook pleaded not guilty to all charges and Cambridge Superior Court Judge Patrick J. Riley ordered Philbrook to remain held without bail.

According to authorities, police responded to a reported shooting at 34 Sea Street in Everett at approximately 8:22 p.m. on Friday, August 17. Police arrived to find the victim laying outside her house, suffering from apparent multiple gunshot wounds to her head, back and neck. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Everett Police and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office initiated an immediate investigation into the circumstances of the shooting, speaking with witnesses in the area and gathering evidence at the scene. Through several eyewitness reports, Philbrook was identified as a suspect and authorities began an immediate investigation into his whereabouts.

Later in the evening on August 17, at approximately 9:15 p.m., Malden police found Philbrook at a liquor store in Malden purchasing alcohol and cigarettes.  Officers approached him and, after a struggle, placed him under arrest in connection with the shooting. Police seized from Philbrook a fully-loaded semi-automatic firearm, an extra clip of ammunition, and an additional 50 rounds of ammunition.

According to several people with knowledge of the circumstances, the victim and defendant were divorced for a number of years but lived together for the past 25 years at the Sea Street residence.

Philbrook was previously arraigned in Somerville District Court on August 20 where he was ordered held without bail by Judge Lee Johnson.

Philbrook will next appear in court on November 13, 2007 in Cambridge Superior Courtroom 6B for a Pretrial Conference.

These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Everett Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Suzanne Kontz.  The Victim Witness Advocate is Shawn McMaster.

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