Apparent Homicide, Officer-Involved Shooting Under Investigation in Wakefield

WAKEFIELD – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Wakefield Chief of Police Steven Skory have confirmed the ongoing investigation into an apparent homicide that occurred today at an Otis Street residence in Wakefield.

At approximately 9:55 a.m. today, Wakefield police responded to a home on Otis Street to perform a well-being check after being notified that the victim, identified as Pamela Wood, 61, of Wakefield, did not show up for work at Greenwood Elementary School where she worked as a speech therapist.

The preliminary investigation suggests that when the victim did not show up for a scheduled 8:30 a.m. appointment at Greenwood Elementary School, school officials notified the victim’s family, who went to her Otis Street home but were unable to gain entrance as they did not have a key. The victim’s family members subsequently walked into the Wakefield Police Station to request assistance with a well-being check. Simultaneously, the school resource officer also went to the home to attempt to locate the victim. 

Upon arrival at the home, the Wakefield Fire Department was able to gain access by prying open the back door. Police and Firefighters reportedly entered the home, announced their entrance and began to clear the residence starting with the top floor.  Wakefield Fire also responded to assist with the well-being check.  Wakefield Firefighters on scene proceeded to the basement level of the home and located the victim deceased with severe trauma and called for backup. 

Multiple officers proceeded downstairs continuing to announce their presence. At that time, the suspect, identified as the victim’s son Timothy Martin, 23 of Manchester, NH who did not reside in the home and reportedly was not expected to be there, allegedly emerged running toward officers while in possession of a knife that he was holding above his head.  Two Wakefield officers discharged their guns striking the victim. The officers performed life-saving efforts on scene and Mr. Martin was transported to Lahey Hospital where he is currently in custody. Charges are expected to be filed and an arraignment will be scheduled at a later date.

Five Wakefield Police officers received treatment at area hospitals but did not sustain serious injuries.

The two officers who fired their service weapons have been placed on administrative leave per department policy.

This is an open and going investigation being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police assigned to that office and Wakefield Police.