(Courtesy Photo: Rick Cinclair/Telegram & Gazette)
WORCESTER ― Jami S. Parker, a 28-year-old sergeant in the National Guard from Leominster, has been indicted on a murder charge following the fatal shooting of her boyfriend, 52-year-old Jeffrey Carr, in their home on May 1.
During her arraignment in Worcester Superior Court on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, Parker pleaded not guilty, and was visibly emotional as she faced the charges. She has been held without bail since her initial arraignment in Leominster District Court on May 2, where she was first charged with armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
According to police reports, Parker called 911 around 10:30 p.m. on the night of the shooting, claiming that a “domestic dispute” had escalated. When first responders arrived, they found Carr on the kitchen floor with a gunshot wound to the head; he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Investigators believe Parker retrieved a gun from her bedroom during the argument and shot Carr.
Parker’s attorney, Michael Hussey, has stated that the prosecution may struggle to prove she was not acting in self-defense, highlighting the couple’s history of domestic violence. In January 2023, Carr was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after Parker alleged that he threw glass Christmas ornaments at her during an intoxicated outburst. The charges were ultimately dropped when she decided not to pursue them.
More: National Guard sergeant arrested for fatal shooting of boyfriend in Leominster
In a separate incident earlier in 2023, Parker and Carr had driven to the Leominster Police Station following a heated argument over Carr smoking in the car—an issue Parker raised due to her pregnancy. She alleged that Carr had struck her during this dispute. At the police station, officers noted Carr appeared intoxicated and unsteady, with evidence of his drinking throughout the day. Parker had previously obtained a restraining order against Carr, which has since expired.
Parker’s family has expressed concerns about her well-being, with a family member stating she was a “victim” in the relationship. This troubling history raises significant questions about the dynamics between Parker and Carr leading up to the fatal incident.
Family members of Carr attended the arraignment but declined to comment. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for November 8.
