Inquest Ruled Cambridge Police Shooting Justified
A judicial inquiry found officers acted reasonably in the 2026 fatal shooting of 64-year-old William Woodworth.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Law Enforcement
A judicial inquest has determined that four Cambridge police officers were justified in the fatal shooting of 64-year-old William Woodworth. The Middlesex County District Attorney has officially closed the investigation into the incident.
Why it matters
The inquest concluded that the officers' actions were objectively reasonable because they believed they and nearby civilians faced imminent danger. This finding follows a comprehensive review of evidence, including surveillance and body camera footage.
A judicial inquest determined the shooting of 64-year-old William Woodworth was justified, resulting in the Middlesex County District Attorney closing the case. The shooting occurred after officers encountered Woodworth at a Temple Street parking lot.
The players
William Woodworth
He was a 64-year-old man who died from five gunshot wounds during a confrontation with police.
James Nestor
He is a Cambridge police officer who fired his weapon one time from the driver side of the vehicle during the encounter.
Donald Conrad
He is a Cambridge police officer who fired his weapon six times through the passenger side window of the vehicle.
Middlesex County District Attorney
This office oversees criminal investigations and has formally accepted the findings of the judicial inquest.
The details
During the confrontation, Woodworth pointed a handgun at an officer, prompting Officer Donald Conrad to fire six times through a passenger window and Officer James Nestor to fire once from the driver side. Woodworth sustained five gunshot wounds during the encounter, which began after police responded to a report of individuals loitering near a parking lot.
Timeline
August 21, 2026: William Woodworth was shot by police officers.
August 24, 2026: A judicial inquest into the police shooting was initiated.
October 2026: The District Attorney released the inquest findings.
Legal Context
The closure of this investigation follows the procedural standards set during the 2026 Cambridge judicial inquest. This case mirrors the city's established protocol for reviewing officer-involved shootings through a formal judicial inquiry.
The conclusion of the investigation signals an end to the active inquiry regarding the Temple Street incident for the local community. Residents can access the final determination from the Middlesex County District Attorney to understand the justification for the officers' actions.
The takeaway
This case highlights the formal process utilized to review and resolve officer-involved shootings within the city. The closure of the investigation provides a final legal determination on the actions taken by responding officers during the Temple Street incident.
Further reading
For more information on departmental oversight, visit the Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Police1.
