Fitchburg man convicted in 2013 murder after decade-long investigation
More than 10 years after a 33-year-old man was fatally gunned down in Fitchburg , another man has been convicted of murder from the killing.
John Yang , of Fitchburg, was found guilty of second-degree murder for the 2013 killing of Shaun Hibbard . Hibbard was 33-years-old at the time of his death and also from Fitchburg.
The verdict followed a week-long trial presented before a jury in Worcester Superior Court, after opening statements began Oct. 6.
Jurors heard from prosecutors and the defense on the events that happened around 4 a.m. on Aug. 3, 2013, on Forest Street in Fitchburg.
Hibbard had been by his vehicle parked along Forest and Charles streets when he and Yang got into a confrontation in the early morning hours.
Hibbard was fatally shot during the argument and ran from the scene. He knocked on the doors of homes up Forest Street for help until finally collapsing on a porch at 46 Forest St.
First responders arrived and brought Hibbard to Leominster Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Yang was initially charged and arraigned on one count of murder on Sept. 12, 2023, in Fitchburg District Court and was held without bail. He was indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury later in November that year and has been in custody since the arraignment.
"We hope this verdict brings the victim's family and loved ones some justice and closure," Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early said.
"This case exemplifies the continued efforts by law enforcement to bring all of our cases to a resolution, regardless of the passage of time," Early said.
Fitchburg Police Chief Steven D. Giannini said, "This verdict brings long awaited closure to the friends and family of Shaun Hibbard. The Fitchburg Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and District Attorney Joe Early's office have shown that no matter how much time passes, we will maintain our commitments to seek justice for every victim."
Yang is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 4.
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