HAVERHILL — Chief Robert Pistone has been placed on leave from the Haverhill Police Department, according to a Wednesday afternoon announcement by Mayor Melinda Barrett. The move follows months of public criticism over the handling of recent crises, including the unexpected death of police officer Katelyn Tully.
“Police Chief Robert Pistone is currently on a leave of absence effective Wednesday, October 8, 2025,” Barrett wrote in a statement.
Deputy Chief Stephen Doherty will serve as acting police chief during Pistone’s absence, the mayor said.
On Sunday a scathing letter criticizing Pistone was posted by both the Haverhill and Lawrence Police Patrolmen’s associations, signed by the families of Haverhill officers. The letter condemns the chief’s leadership, his response to Tully’s death, and his handling of an incident in which resident Francis Gigliotti died after an altercation with police.
In the days and weeks following Gigliotti’s death, vigils and protests were held by his family, friends and others around the city. Pistone suspended the seven officers involved in the incident, one of whom was Tully, according to her father.
John Tully, Katelyn’s father, who is a retired Lawrence police officer, voiced frustration with Pistone’s actions to The Eagle-Tribune on Wednesday before the mayor suspended the chief.
Later, after learning Pistone was placed on leave, he said, “Personally, I won’t be satisfied until I see the chief’s resignation.”
Katelyn Tully, 32, died unexpectedly in an unattended death at approximately 6:55 a.m. Sept. 26 at her home on Bartlett Avenue, according to a death certificate prepared by the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office.
The certificate lists both the cause and manner of death as “pending investigation.” An autopsy report has not yet been released, according to John Tully. He said he was contacted by the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office after her death and told they were specifically looking into the condition of Katelyn’s heart.
“She died from a stress heart attack is what we’re assuming right now,” John Tully said.
The Essex County District Attorney’s Office said no comment would be made on Katelyn Tully’s death because of the ongoing investigation.
Prior to his suspension Wednesday, Pistone would not provide comment concerning Katelyn Tully’s connection to the Gigliotti case, nor confirm or deny that she was among the seven officers suspended after the July 11 incident when police responded to reports that Gigliotti, 43, of Haverhill, was “acting erratically” around the city.
Police eventually restrained him at the entrance of Bradford Seafood, 124 Winter St., where he became unresponsive. Gigliotti was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Last month, the Essex County District Attorney’s Office released Gigliotti’s autopsy findings, determining the manner of death to be “homicide” and the cause “cardiac dysrhythmia in a person with acute intoxication due to the combined effects of cocaine and ethanol while being restrained prone by police.”
The DA’s office said at the time it would determine whether the officers’ actions were “reasonable and justified,” while family members of Gigliotti have repeatedly called for the indictment of them.
John Tully said the officers were not given the help they needed in the aftermath of Gigliotti’s death, and that those feelings have only deepened since Katelyn’s passing.
“He showed no support,” Tully said. “It was a critical incident. Somebody [Gigliotti] passed away.”
He said Pistone did not arrange for counseling for the seven officers, nor did the chief reach out to him or his wife to express condolences after Katelyn died.
Pistone did contact their other daughter, Amanda, John Tully said. Amanda informed the chief that he was not welcome at Katelyn Tully’s funeral. Pistone was not present at Friday’s funeral in Wilmington, John Tully said.
The families who shared the letter Sunday on Facebook claim the message of their lack of confidence and even disdain for Pistone is supported by “hundreds” of people who are prepared to speak publicly if necessary.
Pistone, who was appointed chief in 2021, has released only one public statement since Katelyn Tully’s death — a Sept. 27 announcement confirming the passing of a Haverhill officer. He offered condolences on behalf of the department.
John Tully said he plans to speak at an upcoming Haverhill City Council meeting to share his concerns with its members and the mayor.
When asked what he believes would be an ideal resolution regarding Pistone and the department’s future, Tully said, “I’d like to see him gone.”