Mural unveiled for Pittsfield man fatally shot by police

A picture of 22-year-old Miguel Estrella now hangs on a building downtown Pittsfield near North Street and Columbus Avenue.

It’s been a year and a half since his death.

On March 25, Miguel’s girlfriend told NewsChannel 13 that Miguel was suffering from a mental health crisis, and threatened to hurt himself with a knife. She says she called for help hoping EMTs would arrive; however, police arrived instead.

Police said Miguel “advanced” towards them with the knife, and when they couldn’t stop him with a Taser, an officer shot him. Miguel died as a result. Although a report done by the force investigation team found the officers involved were not at fault, marches have since been held in Miguel’s honor, advocating for more services to help people suffering from mental health issues.