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Dean Kapsalis was convicted of shouting a racial slur at Henry Tapia before hitting him with a Dodge Dakota truck, running him over and killing him on Upland Road in Belmont in the late afternoon of January 19, 2021, the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office reports.
Investigators determined that the two men had gotten into a fight in the road and, once it winded down, Tapia started walking back to his car. It was then that Kapsalis yelled a racial slur at Tapia before getting into his truck and running into Tapia. Kapsalis ended up dragging Tapia for a short distance before driving away, the DA's Office reports. He later turned himself into police.
First responders found Tapia conscious but suffering from life-threatening injuries, the DA's Office reports. He was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital where he later died. At trial, the defense tried to argue that Tapia's death was accidental.
"The fact that some of the last words Henry Tapia heard were a horrific racial insult meant to intimidate and threaten him based on the color of his skin is something we cannot tolerate," Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said. "Although nothing that happens in Court can return Mr. Tapia to his grieving family, today’s convictions send a strong signal that those who commit hate fueled violence in this county will be held fully accountable."
Tapia was lovingly known to others as "Henny," according to a GoFundMe campaign organized on his behalf. He left behind three children, his partner, mother, father and many others.
"Despite his moniker, he was nothing short of AMAZING. He was truly a GOOD guy," the GoFundMe reads. "Henny was a gentle giant, a loyal friend, with a big unforgettable smile, and an even bigger heart. He was monumental in laying the foundation for our Tekken family and is responsible for bringing us immeasurable memories that will last a lifetime."
Kapsalis was convicted of second degree murder, violation of constitutional rights causing serious bodily injury, assault and battery by means of dangerous weapon (motor vehicle) causing serious bodily injury, and leaving the scene after causing injury His sentencing is scheduled for June 27.
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