A now former Massachusetts police officer sentenced to life in prison for killing wife, initially ruled suicide

On Wednesday, a retired Massachusetts Police Officer, was sentenced by a Superior Court Judge to life in prison without the possibility of parole after finding him guilty of first-degree murder in the 2018 homicide of his wife.

On Tuesday, May 8, 2018, first responders from the City of Westfield advised Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office that there was a reported suicide at the home of Amy, 51, and Brian Fanion, 9 North Road in Westfield.

Upon arrival, detectives received initial information that Brian Fanion, a Westfield Police detective at the time, was on-duty and went home for lunch. While home on his lunch break, he claimed, his wife used his service weapon to inflict a fatal wound upon herself. The Westfield Police and Fire Departments arrived on scene after Brian Fanion placed a 9-1-1 call. First responders immediately determined Amy Fanion to be deceased.

The following day a post-mortem examination of the victim was done by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, from which a gunshot wound was determined to be the cause of death. The manner of death was left undetermined pending additional analysis.

At first glance, the scene suggested Amy’s death was self-inflicted until further investigation showed Brian Fanion shot and killed his wife with his service pistol.

By the investigation of the Hampden District Attorney and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit, a search warrant was granted for Brian Fanion’s residence and for a high-definition survey scan for various digital evidence items, including computers, tablets, and cellular devices. Forensic examinations were later conducted on these items that revealed incriminating evidence.

According to MassLive, Hampden assistant district attorney Mary Sandstrom stated that Brian Fanion had conducted internet searches on how to preserve his retirement money amid a divorce. “There was only one way to enjoy his retirement and his new love affair, and that was to kill his wife.”

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni stated, “Mr. Fanion’s behavior was calculating and shockingly cruel. I commend the members of the jury who saw through his defense and held him accountable. This result illustrates that no matter your position or power, justice is blind. I thank our entire team, especially Assistant District Attorney Mary Sandstrom for her phenomenal efforts and commitment to justice for Amy.”

Assistant District Attorneys Mary Sandstrom and Travis Lynch successfully represented the Commonwealth in this case.