We would “reopen the case in a second…”

Soon after the incident in 1988 investigators knew where the tear gas canister had been stolen from. They had a composite sketch of a suspect (at left from The Heights) and a description of another. They had set up a telephone tip line where anyone could anonymously call in information. An insurance company was offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible. None the leads provided enough information to charge anyone with a crime.

I recently spoke with someone who is familiar with the Boston College Police Department who said that when it came to the stolen tear gas canister they had a couple people in mind, but not enough information to move forward.

The investigation has run its course, and without additional information it is at a stand still.

While statue of limitations has eliminated the many of the potential charges and civil suits, I am told that charges surrounding the death of Officer Devlin, such as Felony Murder or Involuntary Murder are still possible. And as my contact familiar with BCPD said, if someone came forward with new information they “would reopen the case in a second.”

So the people responsible for the tear gas incident still have a lot hanging over their heads.