In the early morning hours of July 5, 2021, a tragic event unfolded in a home on Fairmont Street in Malden, Massachusetts, leading to the death of 30-year-old Erin Fitzgibbon. A guest in the residence, Fitzgibbon was visiting friends when the home was invaded. The Middlesex District Attorney's Office later described her as being 'tragically in the wrong place at the wrong time.' The incident began around 7:17 a.m. when Malden Police received a 911 call reporting a robbery and a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers found Fitzgibbon suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. She was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
The investigation quickly identified a suspect known to the residents of the home, 30-year-old Brian Butler of Everett. According to authorities, Butler, armed with a handgun, forced his way into the house. The homeowner, a 50-year-old woman who knew Butler, initially thought he was joking. When she realized the gravity of the situation and attempted to secure the door, Butler allegedly discharged his weapon at least twice. The woman, her husband, and their adult son managed to flee the house through the front door. After they were outside, they heard another gunshot. It was during this time that Butler is said to have gone to an upstairs bedroom where Fitzgibbon was staying and shot her in the head. He then allegedly fled the scene with a safe containing heroin, pills, and an expectation of cash.
A manhunt for Brian Butler ensued, and an arrest warrant was issued. He was charged with murder, armed home invasion, armed assault with intent to murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and firearm possession offenses. Investigators also identified a second individual, 24-year-old Cody DiGaetano of Chelsea, who was accused of acting as the getaway driver. DiGaetano allegedly drove Butler from the scene in a green Honda, taking him to Ashland where Butler stayed overnight. Thanks to a tip from a resident and video footage, law enforcement located and arrested Butler in Ashland on July 7, 2021. DiGaetano was also taken into custody and charged with accessory after the fact to an armed robbery and accessory after the fact to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Butler was held without bail, while DiGaetano was released on personal recognizance.
