For Immediate Release  August 18, 2007             

                             
Contact: Corey Welford/Meredith Lerner 617-679-6522 

65-Year-Old Everett Man Arrested In Connection With Alleged Murder Of Ex-Wife Last Evening

EVERETT – Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone’s office informed the public today that an Everett man has been placed under arrest in connection with the alleged murder of his ex-wife, Dorothy Philbrook, age 65, also of Everett.

George Philbrook, age 65, was arrested late Friday night by Malden Police in connection with the shooting that occurred earlier that evening. He will be arraigned on Monday, August 20, in Malden District Court on charges of murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a defaced firearm, and resisting arrest.

“We have one man in custody who we allege to have shot and killed his ex-wife last evening,” District Attorney Leone said. “The victim was unarmed and defenseless, and based on the evidence we presently have before us, this appears to be another horrific example of a domestic incident escalating to violence and tragedy. We continue to investigate this case and I want to particularly commend the State Police, and Everett and Malden police, for their outstanding efforts in quickly finding the suspect, who still possessed a fully-loaded firearm, and placing him in custody last evening.”

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, suffering from apparent multiple gunshots. 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. Authorities then identified the defendant as a person of interest and began an immediate investigation into his whereabouts.

Later that evening, at approximately 9:15 p.m., Malden police found Philbrook at a liquor store in Malden 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 in the Sea Street residence.

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.

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