Former Springfield police officer, Kevin Burnham, accused of stealing money from an evidence room, is dead, confirmed the Springfield Mayor’s Office. Burnham was the subject of a welfare check after failing to appear in court.

Burnham made news after an arrest warrant was issued earlier today for the former Springfield police officer. Burnham was charged with multiple counts of larceny after investigators said he allegedly stole money from more than 170 drug cases between December 2009 and July 2014.

Advertisement

He was supposed to show up today for a plea hearing this afternoon in Hampden Superior Court, but he did not show, reports westernmassnews.

Burnham’s lawyer was present in the courtroom today.

A warrant was then issued by the judge for Burnham’s arrest.

At around 4 p.m. authorities could be seen at his home in Wilbraham.

Then just after 5:20 p.m. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno issued this statement regarding “Retired Springfield Police Department Detective, Kevin Burnham:”

“This is a tragic ending to an unfortunate situation. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kevin’s family and friends.”

Developing.