American Legion death investigation turned over to DA, police say

QUINCY, Mass. — Four days after a man was killed while trying to break up a fight outside an American Legion Boston 25 News has learned several new developments

Christopher McCallum's death after a melee at the American Legion Post in Quincy early Sunday morning has rocked the area, where McCallum had deep roots.

Quincy Police tell Boston 25 News that they've now turned over all of their reports and investigative materials to the Norfolk County District Attorney on Tuesday, after giving the District Attorney control of the case.

>> Family mourns man killed outside American Legion post in Quincy

Police turned the case over to the DA to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. The community of Squantum is small and tight-knit and police say all of the people who were involved Saturday night were not only known to each other, but also to the investigators on a personal level.

DA Michael Morrissey, however, also has a personal connection to this American Legion as he is an associate member of the post, but as a politician and Quincy resident, he also belongs to many local organizations including the Elks, the Sons of Italy and the Knights of Columbus. That's why a spokesperson told Boston 25 News there is no apparent conflict of interest at this time.

Police say they have interviewed a substantial amount of witnesses who were at the American Legion Saturday night, though they didn't provide specific numbers.

Investigators were called to the Robert Nickerson Post 382 on Moon Road around 1 a.m. after police say a large fight broke out outside the post and 44-year-old Christopher McCallum was found bleeding and unconscious.

Family members told us he was punched, fell and hit his head.

McCallum died a day later at a Boston hospital, leaving behind a wife, three teenage sons and grieving friends and family.

In a statement, Police Chief Paul Keenan told us, "We understand the family wants answers to their questions, but a thorough investigation takes time. The case is progressing, being actively investigated and a top priority."

Most importantly, investigators say they still need witnesses to come forward and are asking anyone with information about what exactly played out that night to contact them.

Cox Media Group