The Kelsey Fitzsimmons Trial: Dramatic Testimony and Closing Arguments

NBC10 Boston, Commonwealth Confidential
Episode Date: March 25, 2026

Overview

This episode of Commonwealth Confidential delivers an in-depth recap and analysis of a pivotal day in the Kelsey Fitzsimmons assault trial, where Fitzsimmons—a former North Andover police officer—took the stand in her own defense. The episode recounts her emotional account of the day she was shot by a fellow officer, analyzes the legal strategies at play, and previews what’s at stake as both sides rest and the trial nears its conclusion.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Kelsey Fitzsimmons’ Testimony: A Dramatic Moment in Court

• Testifying in Her Own Defense: Fitzsimmons made the rare decision to testify, offering a personal account of her despair and her actions leading up to the shooting incident.

  • “[I] tried to shoot myself and then I got shot in the chest.” – Kelsey Fitzsimmons [01:55]

• Descent Into Despair: She described feeling devastated after her ex-fiancé, Justin Elain, failed to show up to meet her, leading to an acute mental health crisis.

  • "I wanted to be alone so I could kill myself." – Kelsey Fitzsimmons [02:51]
  • “Saw my baby go, my fiancé, my dog, my house. And I knew that was going to be my job too.” – Kelsey Fitzsimmons [01:42, 02:58]

• Events Leading to the Shooting: According to Fitzsimmons, police arrived to serve a restraining order against her, taking her four-month-old child. Alone and despondent, she attempted suicide before being shot by fellow officer Patrick Noonan.

  • “I tried to shoot myself and then I got shot in the chest.” – Kelsey Fitzsimmons [01:55]
  • “It felt like my entire body was burning. Officer Noonan was holding my hand, and I said why? I was so confused.” – Kelsey Fitzsimmons [03:56]

• Conflict in Accounts: Officer Noonan failed to disclose key details about the shooting on the stand, though neighbors recall him admitting his role soon after the event.

Legal Strategy: Should the Defendant Testify?

• Expert Opinions on Testifying
  • Pro-Taking the Stand: Legal analyst Michael Coyne praised the decision, noting Fitzsimmons’ composure and the need to present her perspective in a “he said, she said” case.
    • “As you saw from her testimony, she acquitted herself quite well. … She stayed controlled, she answered the questions, she told her story.” – Michael Coyne [04:57]
  • Arguments Against: Attorney Margo Lindauer cautioned that any inconsistencies or gaps in memory could have undermined her credibility, but acknowledged Fitzsimmons did not do herself harm on the stand.
    • “If she had inconsistent memory or did not have specific memories of the timeline … those would be reasons to not put her on the stand.” – Margo Lindauer [06:19]
    • “She did not [do damage].” – Margo Lindauer [06:51]

The Prosecution’s Strategy and Cross-examination

• Narrow Focus on Relationship: The prosecution zeroed in on Fitzsimmons' state of mind concerning her ex-fiancé but failed to clearly establish motive or intent regarding Officer Noonan.

  • “I was left wanting by this cross examination. … It seemed like they were focused on her relationship with Elaine, the ex-fiancé, but she's not accused of assaulting him.” – Glenn Jones [07:27]

• State of Mind Under Scrutiny: The defense and analysts emphasized that Fitzsimmons’ feelings were directed at her ex, not Officer Noonan, making the prosecution’s angle questionable.

  • “She was very clear about her state of mind. … If she had ill will or confusion, it was towards her ex-fiancé, certainly not towards Noonan.” – Margo Lindauer [07:45]

Judge’s Instructions and Next Steps

• Closing Arguments Announced: Both sides rest, and the judge instructs them to avoid “gratuitous character assassination,” stressing the simplicity of the case.

  • “This is a straightforward case. Did the Commonwealth prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed an assault with a dangerous weapon? The stuff that happened before and after, even—not to be cold, callous and uncaring—are not before me.” – Judge [10:56]

• Judicial Focus: The judge is clear that only the facts related to the assault charge are relevant.

Stakes and Possible Outcomes

• Charges and Penalty: Fitzsimmons faces up to five years if convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon. Earlier, prosecutors had sought an indictment for armed assault with intent to murder, but the grand jury did not support that.

• Burden of Proof: Analysts highlight the high bar for conviction—intent must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

  • “The Commonwealth has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that she had the requisite intent … that she intended to harm Noonan with her gun.” – Margo Lindauer [10:23]

• Potential Verdicts: There’s consensus among the experts that reasonable doubt looms large after Fitzsimmons’ compelling testimony.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “I wanted to be alone so I could kill myself.” – Kelsey Fitzsimmons [02:51]
• “I tried to shoot myself and then I got shot in the chest.” – Kelsey Fitzsimmons [01:55]
• “She acquitted herself quite well. … It made sense [for her to testify], especially based on what I saw today.” – Michael Coyne [04:57, 06:14]
• “I was left wanting by this cross examination.” – Glenn Jones [07:27]
• “She was very clear about her state of mind. … If she had ill will or confusion, it was towards her ex-fiancé, certainly not towards Noonan.” – Margo Lindauer [07:45]
• “This isn't Karen Read all over again. … We're trying an assault case, and that's the way this case is going to be tried.” – Michael Coyne [11:33]
• “There should be no gratuitous character assassination. … Confine your closing arguments to those issues that are before me.” – Judge [10:56]

Important Timestamps

• [01:42] – Fitzsimmons recalls the loss of family, home, and career
• [01:55] – Fitzsimmons describes the shooting incident
• [02:51] – Fitzsimmons testifies about her suicidal intent
• [03:56] – Fitzsimmons recounts the moment she was shot
• [04:57] – Michael Coyne analyzes her testimony performance
• [06:19] – Margo Lindauer weighs in on potential pitfalls of testifying
• [07:27] – Glenn Jones critiques the prosecution’s cross-examination focus
• [10:56] – Judge delivers guidance for closing arguments and trial focus

Conclusion and What’s Next

With Fitzsimmons’ emotional testimony and both sides resting, the trial heads into closing arguments—each side given 30 minutes. Experts project the defense has created substantial doubt regarding intent, making conviction challenging but not out of reach for the prosecution.

Stay tuned for the judge’s verdict, as this closely-watched trial draws to a dramatic close.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988.

Catch nightly recaps and expert legal analysis of the Kelsey Fitzsimmons trial on NBC 10 Boston and online.