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NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — The family of a man who died after being arrested at a sobriety checkpoint in November is accusing police of murder.

Kenneth Howe, 45 of Worcester, was arrested at a North Andover sobriety checkpoint on November 25. Less than an hour later, he was dead.

Photos from the Eagle Tribune allegedly show several state troopers and North Andover police officers subdueing Howe.

Howe’s family says the police went too far.

“This is a case of murder. We want criminal prosecutions, and we want these cowards that beat this man to death prosecuted and punished,” said Frances King, attorney for Howe’s family.

The cause of death is listed as “homicide” on Howe’s death certificate. The state medical examiner said homicide doesn’t necessarily mean murder, but King disagrees.

“Between 10 and 20 police officers swarmed on Kenneth,” King said.

King said Howe, who was a passenger in a truck, had just tossed off a marijuana cigarette when he approached the police roadblock. Police said Howe struck a female trooper,released his pit bull on police, and attempted to run.

Police said Howe eventually taken down, but stopped breathing at the Andover State Police barracks. He regained a pulse, and was then taken to Lawrence General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

King said she plans on filing a lawsuit in federal court next week.

“Kenneth Howe, at the very least, should be alive today and possibly facing criminal charges. He should not be dead. You do not beat somebody to death,” King said.

State Police had no comment, but the Essex District Attorney said he has been working on the case, and is meeting with the U.S Attorney next week. He said he will comment when the investigation is complete.

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