"We will not be publicly commenting on the case other than to say we continue to investigate the matter," First Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Steven Gagne said.
Tyler McNeillBELCHERTOWN - In a statement issued Wednesday morning, First Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Steven E. Gagne said the death of 15-year-old Tyler McNeill is not suspicious.
“We will not be publicly commenting on the case other than to say we continue to investigate the matter," Gagne wrote, citing the victim's age and the fact that the death took place in a private residence.
Gagne added: "Additional information may be available once the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner issues its findings and conclusions.”
Police Chief Francis R. Fox on Tuesday said the Belchertown High School freshman's death was the subject of an “active criminal investigation” but declined to provide further details.
Fox said police received the call about the death around 2:45 p.m. Monday.
On Tyler’s Facebook’s page, a woman who identified herself as the teen’s mother described his death as a suicide. While declining comment to The Republican, Melanie McNeill confirmed she was actively posting to the site via Tyler's profile.
In a plea to Tyler's friends, she wrote, “If anyone could tell me anything that would help to understand why my son would do something this horrible I would like you to call me. I can’t understand why a boy so beautiful, so confident and so smart would take himself from me.”
She added: "I'm beside myself with this tragedy."