BELMONT, Massachusetts – A man in Hudson, Massachusetts, will be sentenced Wednesday after being found guilty of second-degree murder and other charges in connection with the death of a man in Belmont in January 2021.
Dean Kapsalis, 56, was convicted in May for the death of 34-year-old Henry Tapia. The incident occurred after the two men engaged in a verbal altercation in the roadway, which escalated when Kapsalis shouted a racial slur at Tapia before getting into his truck and running him over, according to investigators.
Tapia was found suffering from life-threatening injuries and later died at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Kapsalis fled the scene but later turned himself in to police, claiming that Tapia’s death was an accident. However, his defense team’s attempt to reduce the conviction to manslaughter was unsuccessful.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan described the incident as a “senseless tragedy fueled by hate and anger” and emphasized that the racial insult hurled at Tapia was intolerable and a threat based on the color of his skin.
The case has drawn widespread attention and raised awareness about the significance of addressing racial animosity and hate crimes. The sentencing on Wednesday will mark a significant moment in seeking justice for the victim and his family.
The tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of combatting racial intolerance and promoting a more inclusive and respectful society. It also highlights the need for accountability in addressing the impact of hate speech and discrimination in communities. The sentencing of Kapsalis will send a powerful message about the consequences of such violent and hateful actions.