Plymouth County man found not guilty by reason of insanity in beating death of father

Plymouth – A Brockton man was acquitted today on a murder charge linked to the 2021 beating death of his father, with the ruling based on insanity, according to Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz.

Stephen M. Walcott Jr., 46, was cleared of first-degree murder due to a finding of insanity. He will be placed at Bridgewater State Hospital for ongoing mental health care and will remain there until further evaluations are completed by hospital staff.

On the evening of February 8, 2021, East Bridgewater Police responded to a welfare check request at a residence on 137 Cedar Street. Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered a male victim, identified as 70-year-old Stephen Walcott Sr., with evident head injuries. He was declared deceased at the scene by responders.

East Bridgewater Police enlisted Massachusetts State Police detectives from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office to launch an investigation. Witnesses noted seeing someone matching Walcott Jr.’s description driving a white sedan at the victim’s home earlier that day. Walcott Jr. was apprehended without resistance later that day at his mother’s home in Brockton, where he lived, and was subsequently charged with first-degree murder.

“I respect the jury’s decision in this challenging case,” D.A. Cruz stated. “My office wants to reassure the public that Walcott Jr. will not be released following this verdict. He will undergo mental health treatment while under the care of Bridgewater State Hospital and will only be considered for release into the community once medical experts deem him no longer a threat to himself or others.”