Author: John Guilfoil

The initial investigation into the death of a two-year-old in Winthrop today indicates no signs of foul play or physical trauma. We are awaiting an autopsy to determine cause of death.

WINTHROP 一 Chief Terence M. Delehanty is today releasing the following statement to the community:

“James Feeley has been placed on administrative leave from the Winthrop Police Department pending the outcome of a criminal investigation headed by State Police Detectives assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.”

Any further media inquiries into this matter should be referred to the District Attorney’s Office.

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WINTHROP – Town Manager Anthony Marino, Council President James Letterie and Police Chief Terence M. Delehanty report that the Town of Winthrop and the Winthrop Police Department are investigating after a Zoom-based participant in Tuesday’s Town Council meeting shouted an antisemitic slur, displayed a swastika on their screen and appeared to give a nazi salute during a discussion regarding the town’s flag flying policy.

“During a civic discussion on the flying of flags on town property, an individual seized the meeting to use it as a platform for hate speech and to display symbols of hate, intimidation and nazism,” said Town Council President Letterie. “We condemn this act and all acts of hatred in or around our community, and we will always call out and condemn hatred in all its forms. There is no place for it here in Winthrop.”

The Town of Winthrop is actively reviewing its public meeting videoconferencing procedures and policies.

Added Town Manager Marino: “Winthrop has shown its true nature in the recent past when we banded together as a community of support and caring in the aftermath of a racially-motivated double murder in 2021. We came together then and we will always come together in unity to condemn hatred and intolerance and to fight fear and intimidation.”

The hateful outburst, in which the individual used an ethnic slur described by the American Jewish Committee as being primarily used today by white supremacists to denigrate Jewish people, is now the subject of an active police investigation. The Winthrop Police Department is also reaching out to its state and federal law enforcement partners to bring their considerable resources to bear on the investigation.

“The Winthrop Police Department is actively investigating this incident as a hate crime,” Chief Delehanty said. “We will respond aggressively to this attack on our community. There is no place for hate in Winthrop. Not in person; not online; not anywhere.”

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WINTHROP — Chief Terence M. Delehanty reports that the Winthrop Police Department, after an investigation into drug distribution activity in the community, arrested a reputed drug dealer and seized weapons, drugs and an illegal handgun.

Lead investigator, Detective Andrew Biggio and members of the Winthrop Police Department, as a result of an investigation, obtained a search warrant for SHKAMB ROKA, AGE 29, OF WINTHROP and a vehicle registered to him.

On Wednesday, Nov, 23, at 2 p.m., Detective Biggio and other officers made a traffic stop of ROKA and his gray Volkswagen hatchback at the intersection of Bowdin
and Buchannan streets. ROKA was read his rights and detained during the search. Investigators found a folded up piece of aluminum foil with a white powdery substance later determined to be cocaine in the vehicle. Officers also found a bag on the passenger side of the vehicle containing a brownish powder believed to be Fentanyl as well as various other drugs including Xanax pulls, at least 16 oxycodone pills and a quantity of crack cocaine. Officers also found a scale, plastic bags, spoons, vials and other items used to package and distribute drugs.

Finally, officers found a plastic garbage bag full of laundry. At the bottom of the bag, police found a loaded Springfield 9mm semiautomatic handgun. ROKA is not licensed to own or carry firearms.

ROKA is known to police.

ROKA was placed under arrest without incident and charged with:

• Unlawful Possession of Firearm without FID
• Unlawful Possession of Ammo without FID
• Possession with intent to distribute a Class B Substance (Two Counts)
• Possession with intent to distribute a Class A Substance
• Possession with intent to distribute a Class E Substance

ROKA was booked and held at the Winthrop Police Department pending his likely arraignment Friday at Boston Municipal Court, East Boston Division.

The firearm’s serial number and photos were sent to the ATF for further information on the weapon’s origin and history.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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WINTHROP – Interim Town Manager and Police Chief Terence Delehanty, Winthrop Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Howard and Public Health Director Meredith Hurley would like to share plans for several trauma-informed services that will be provided to community members following Saturday’s critical incident.

“We know that this horrific and hateful incident has affected many of our community members and everyone will process this grief and trauma in a different way and at a different pace,” Chief Delehanty said. “Processing and healing following this tragedy will take time and the Town of Winthrop is committed to making available services and resources to support community members of all ages in the coming days and weeks.”

Chief Delehanty has also reached out to the Anti-Defamation League of New England following this incident.

Tuesday, June 29:

The Winthrop Public Health Department’s Crisis Intervention Team, which includes a licensed clinical social worker and a Winthrop Police outreach officer, will be canvassing the neighborhood where Saturday’s incident occurred to check in and talk with residents. The team will also be providing flyers and cards to community members that will include information about available community and online resources.

Additionally on Tuesday, the school department will be conducting outreach. The schools will reach out to any impacted families and staff to offer support and make them aware of the resources that are available to them. The school department will also attend the Neighborhood Drop In meeting referenced below, and conduct smaller youth groups sessions as needed.

Wednesday, June 30:

The Public Health Department will hold a Neighborhood Drop In meeting at the Winthrop Senior Center, 35 Harvard St., from 7-8:30 p.m. Behavioral health support resources will be available for residents.

Thursday, July 1:

A candlelight vigil will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. on the Winthrop Town Hall lawn, 1 Metcalf Square to honor and recognize the victims. The vigil is being hosted by the Winthrop Commission for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement.

Representatives from a multitude of support services, including the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the Winthrop Public Health Crisis Intervention Team, the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center and the Boston Public Health Commission will be present to assist residents who may be experiencing emotional responses, as well as provide support and resources for dealing with trauma. School adjustment counselors and other school representatives will also be present at the vigil.

The town is also planning to hold a community-wide meeting next week to discuss dealing with trauma and various stressors that may trigger emotional responses, and what to look for in friends and family who may need additional support following a tragedy. Details regarding this meeting will be released as they become available.

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Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid Neptune Avenue, Cross Street and Veterans Road between Beach and Washington.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, but Chief Delehanty reports that there is not believed to be any further danger to the public.

Police Chief Terence Delehanty reports that the Winthrop Police Department is investigating a serious incident that took place Saturday afternoon in which three people were shot.

Winthrop Police received reports that a large truck had crashed into a building at 2:41 p.m. near the intersection of Shirley and Cross street. Police also received reports of shots fired.

Upon arrival, police found two people found shot. A suspect was identified and located by Winthrop Police. Chief Delehanty confirms that police did fire at the suspect during the encounter. The suspect has sustained serious, life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital. At this time, there are no updates on the conditions of the two victims. One police officer was taken to an area hospital for an evaluation but was not seriously injured.

The incident remains under active investigation by Winthrop Police with the assistance of Revere and Boston Police as well as the Massachusetts State Police.

At this time, Chief Delehanty believes there is no further danger to the community, however motorists and members of the public area asked to avoid the area at this time to allow emergency crews and investigators to do their work.

Further updates will be provided as soon as information becomes available.

Winthrop Police are investigating a very active crime scene in town near the intersection of Shirley Street and Veterans Road. There are multiple injured people and motorists are asked to avoid the area to allow first responders unrestricted access to the scene. We will post additional information as soon as it is available.