For Immediate Release
Contact: Julia Keane 508-368-7226 or 774-530-1207
WORCESTER – Today, 44-year-old John Yang, of Fitchburg, was sentenced to serve life in prison with parole eligibility after 20 years for the 2013 killing of 33-year-old Shaun Hibbard, of Fitchburg, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.
On October 14, 2025, John Yang was found guilty of second-degree murder by a Worcester County Superior Court jury after a multi-day trial.
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 and 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.
“It is my hope that today’s sentencing brings a measure of closure to Mr. Hibbard’s family and loved ones after these 12 years,” said Mr. Early. “The Fitchburg Police Department and Mass. State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, as well as Assistant District Attorneys Brett Dillon and Thomas Ayres, and Victim Witness Advocate Maria Deyette, all did great work on this case.”