A shocking case has come to light in Massachusetts involving a racially-motivated attack on a Black teenager at Goose Pond in Chatham. A 15-year-old boy, John P. Sheeran, has admitted to trying to drown the victim while hurling racial slurs and mocking him by calling him “George Floyd.” The disturbing incident happened last year on July 19, 2023, about 85 miles from Boston.
Sheeran recently pleaded guilty to attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in Barnstable Juvenile Court. He’s being charged as a “youthful offender,” which means the judge, Sylvia Gomes, could decide to sentence him as an adult. Under Massachusetts law, juveniles aged 14 to 17 can face adult penalties if their crimes involve serious harm or certain types of felonies.
Prosecutors revealed that Sheeran threatened the victim with a stone before the three boys, including another white teen and the Black teen, entered the water. Knowing the victim couldn’t swim, Sheeran reportedly pulled on his life jacket and dunked him underwater four to five times, causing him to struggle for air. Meanwhile, the second white boy laughed and called the victim “George Floyd,” referencing the 2020 death of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck.
The attack only stopped when a bystander, also a juvenile, stepped in to help. This brave individual later told police that he saw Sheeran push the victim’s head underwater while the victim screamed for help. Even then, Sheeran and the other boy reportedly smirked as if it was all a joke.
The victim later told authorities that Sheeran had been taunting him with racial slurs, throwing rocks, and threatening violence from the moment he arrived at the pond. The victim described how water filled his nose and mouth as Sheeran held him underwater multiple times.
Later that same evening, Sheeran allegedly struck an Asian child in the face and used racial slurs against him as well. These disturbing patterns of behavior add to the severity of the case.
Sheeran has struck a deal with prosecutors that includes a suspended three-year sentence, mandatory community service, a behavioral education program, and an apology letter to the victim. However, Judge Gomes has the power to impose a harsher sentence. If she does, Sheeran could opt to take the case to trial in March 2025. His sentencing is scheduled for February 5, 2025.
Meanwhile, the second boy involved, whose identity hasn’t been made public because he’s charged as a juvenile, is accused of harassment during the incident.
Sheeran’s lawyer has downplayed the incident, calling it “horseplay” that went too far, but the victim’s account and the evidence tell a much more troubling story. The case has drawn attention to the seriousness of racially-motivated violence, especially among young people, and the importance of holding those responsible accountable.
