A death investigation is underway in Boston after police discovered a deceased person Saturday afternoon at a multi-family rental property owned by Conan Harris, the husband of Massachusetts Democratic U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley.
According to the Boston Police Department, officers responded to 25 Malta Street in the city’s Mattapan neighborhood at approximately 1:52 p.m. on July 18 after receiving a report to “investigate a person.” Upon arrival, officers located a deceased individual inside the property.
The Boston Police Homicide Unit has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which is standard procedure in Boston for unattended or suspicious deaths until investigators determine the cause and manner of death. Authorities have not classified the case as a homicide and have released few details as the investigation continues.
Police have not publicly identified the deceased or disclosed the person’s age, gender, or cause of death. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is expected to conduct an autopsy.
Crime scene tape surrounded the property Saturday as detectives processed the scene.
Property Owned by Pressley’s Husband
Suffolk County property records show the two-family home is owned by Conan Harris, who married Pressley in 2014. The residence, built in 1910, is currently listed for sale with an asking price of approximately $1.15 million.
A spokesperson for Pressley confirmed the congresswoman and her family do not live at the Malta Street address, describing it as a rental property occupied by long-term tenants.
“The Congresswoman extends her deepest condolences to the impacted family,” the spokesperson said in a statement provided to People magazine.
There is no indication that Pressley or Harris are connected to the circumstances surrounding the death beyond Harris’ ownership of the property.
Background on Pressley and Harris
Pressley has represented Massachusetts’ 7th Congressional District since 2019 after defeating longtime Democratic Congressman Michael Capuano in a surprise primary victory. Before serving in Congress, she was elected to the Boston City Council, becoming the first woman of color elected citywide in Boston.
She is a member of the progressive congressional bloc commonly known as “The Squad” and has built her national profile advocating for criminal justice reform, immigration reform, police accountability, housing affordability, student debt relief, and expanded federal social programs.
Her outspoken positions have frequently drawn criticism from conservatives, particularly over immigration enforcement, policing, and U.S. policy toward Israel.
Harris has also received public attention because of his past criminal record. As a young man, he served approximately a decade in federal prison after being convicted on drug trafficking charges. Following his release, he worked in public safety and government before launching a consulting business. Pressley has often cited her husband’s experience with incarceration when discussing criminal justice reform and second-chance policies.
Investigation Continues
As of Sunday, investigators have not announced whether foul play is suspected, nor have they released any information regarding the circumstances that led to the person’s death.
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains active and that additional information will be released once the medical examiner completes the autopsy and detectives continue their investigation.
At this stage, police have not identified any suspects or announced any arrests, and there is no evidence publicly linking either Pressley or Harris to the incident beyond ownership of the rental property.
Sounds to me like a fentanyl overdose. Sadly, they are no longer uncommon.