At approximately 8:09 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, officers assigned to District D-4 (South End/Back Bay) responded to a radio call for a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Hereford Street. The vehicle reportedly entered the Commonwealth Avenue Mall and struck a pedestrian who was walking his dog before fleeing the scene.
Upon arrival, officers observed Boston EMS providing medical treatment to the adult male victim on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall walkway. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Officers obtained the vehicle’s registration information, and Boston Police Operations broadcast a description of the vehicle. The Brookline Police Department subsequently located the unoccupied vehicle in Brookline.
Following an investigation conducted by the Boston Police Department’s Homicide Unit, and the Brookline Police Department, in coordination with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, William Haney, 42, of Boston, was placed under arrest and charged with Murder and Cruelty to Animals.
Haney is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on Monday, January 5, 2026.
The Boston Police Department’s Homicide Unit continues to actively investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470.
Community members who wish to provide information anonymously may do so through the CrimeStoppers Tip Line:
📱 By Phone: 1-800-494-TIPS
💬 By Text: Text “TIP” to CRIME (27463)
🌐 Online: Boston Police CrimeStoppers
Photos and videos related to the investigation can also be submitted anonymously via CrimeStoppers. The Boston Police Department strictly protects the identities of those who assist in investigations anonymously.
For those impacted by this incident, the Boston Neighborhood Trauma Team (NTT) offers free, 24/7, confidential emotional support. To connect with a trained provider, please call (617) 431-0125.