On August 14th, 2021, our beautiful sister, Stephanie Gerardi, was brutally killed by members of the Saugus Police Department. She was only 38 years old. Stephanie had a mental illness, and her tragic death continues to be a source of indescribable pain for us—her sisters, brother, her children, and all the loved ones she left behind.

We reached out to the Saugus Police, hoping to get Stephanie sectioned to the local hospital. Instead of receiving the help she so desperately needed, Saugus police officer Sean Murphy shot her three times in our own home—a single bullet to the head and two to the torso. We are deeply troubled by the actions and decisions made by the Saugus police, particularly the advice of Saugus Police Officer Domenic Montano, who told us to lie and falsely report to the Saugus police department that Stephanie was suicidal---even though she was not suicidal and was not a threat to herself or anyone else.

Upon arrival at our home, the officer who fatally shot Stephanie treated her with rudeness and callous disregard. The officers on scene failed to de-escalate the situation. They did the opposite---they escalated it. The Saugus Police Department’s "Handling the Mentally Ill" policy failed Stephanie and by failing her, failed us and everyone here in Saugus. The Town of Saugus and the Saugus Police Department's insufficient training and supervision on how to appropriately engage with residents suffering from mental illness led to Stephanie's untimely and tragic death.

It is critical that the Saugus Police Department transform its approach to mental health crises. We need immediate reforms in how officers are trained and supervised when interacting with residents experiencing mental health challenges. Mental health professionals should accompany officers in such situations, and all officers should undergo comprehensive training in de-escalation techniques.

If the Town of Saugus and its Police Department do not change how they interact with residents facing mental health issues, someone else could tragically lose their life at the hands of inadequate policing policies and training.

Join us in demanding reform to make sure no other family endures the agony we continue to face daily. Help us protect our community by ensuring compassionate and knowledgeable responses to mental health crises before another tragedy occurs. Please sign this petition to reform the Saugus Police Department's response to mental health emergencies.