For Immediate Release
Contact: Julia Keane 508-368-7226 or 774-530-1207
WORCESTER – Last Friday, a Worcester County Superior Court jury found 44-year-old John Yang, of Fitchburg, guilty of second-degree murder in the 2013 killing of 33-year-old Shaun Hibbard, of Fitchburg, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.
On August 13, 2013, just after 4:00 a.m., Fitchburg Police and Mass. State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office responded to Forest Street in Fitchburg for reports of multiple gunshots. They quickly located a gunshot victim, Mr. Hibbard, on the front porch of 46 Forest Street. He was transported to Leominster Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Investigators determined that Mr. Hibbard had been shot during a confrontation near his vehicle, which was parked at Forest and Charles Streets. Mr. Hibbard ran up Forest Street, knocking on doors looking for help following the shooting.
The Office of the State Medical Examiner determined Mr. Hibbard died of gunshot wounds and his death was ruled a homicide.
Mr. Yang was initially charged and arraigned on September 12, 2023, in Fitchburg District Court on one count of murder and held without bail. He was indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury on November 20, 2023. He has been in custody since the arraignment in District Court.
“We hope this verdict brings the victim’s family and loved ones some justice and closure. This case exemplifies the continued efforts by law enforcement to bring all of our cases to a resolution, regardless of the passage of time,” Mr. Early said. “I want to recognize the outstanding investigative efforts of the Fitchburg Police Department and Mass. State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, as well as the excellent work of Assistant District Attorneys Brett Dillon and Thomas Ayres, and Victim Witness Advocate Maria Deyette.”
Fitchburg Police Chief Steven D. Giannini said, “This verdict brings long awaited closure to the friends and family of Shawn 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.”
Mr. Yang will be sentenced by Judge James G. Reardon, Jr. on November 4, 2025.