Dublin Firefighter’s Rape Trial Ends in Mistrial in Boston

A trial involving Terence Crosbie, a Dublin firefighter, has concluded without a verdict in Boston, Massachusetts, after accusations of a 2023 sexual assault. The jury’s inability to agree on a decision has now set the stage for a second trial.

The Hung Jury

After deliberating for over 22 hours, the jury in the case of Mr. Crosbie could not reach a unanimous decision. The firefighter, 38, was in Boston last year for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

The trial took place at the Suffolk County Courthouse, overseen by Judge Sarah Weyland Ellis. The judge declared a mistrial, setting the stage for a new trial on October 14th. Judge Ellis increased Crosbie’s bail from $10,000 to $50,000, citing him as a potential flight risk.

Allegations and Testimony

The charges stem from an alleged incident on March 14th of the prior year at the Omni Parker House hotel in Boston. Crosbie had arrived in Boston from Ireland on the same day of the alleged event and was scheduled to depart a few days later.

The woman, now 29, testified that she was assaulted in the early hours. She stated she woke up to someone sexually assaulting her, whom she identified as the defendant.

“What are you doing? Stop!”

— Victim, Court Documents

Defense and Counterclaims

Crosbie testified, denying any wrongdoing. The defense argued that Crosbie’s DNA was not found on the accuser, questioning parts of her account. The defense team focused on inconsistencies they claimed existed within her narrative.

It is alleged that after the assault, Crosbie tried to kiss the woman. He is said to have pushed her against a wall.

Crosbie has been held at the Nashua Street jail in Boston since his arrest last year. He had attempted to return to Ireland on March 15th.

According to recent data, the rate of mistrials in sexual assault cases is 15% higher than in other types of trials (Pew Research 2024).