Editor’s note: This article contains graphic descriptions of child abuse. Reader discretion is advised.
YARMOUTH – Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois announced today that on January 18, 2024, after 7 days of trial, Brian Barnicle, age 42, and Crystale Barnicle, age 43, both of Yarmouth, were found guilty by a jury in Barnstable Superior Court. Mr. Barnicle was charged with 3 counts of Aggravated Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, 3 counts of Assault and Battery, 2 counts of Reckless Endangerment of child, 1 count of strangulation, and 4 counts of Intimidation of a witness. Ms. Barnicle was charged with 2 counts of Reckless Endangerment of a child, and 3 counts of Wanton/Recklessly permitting bodily injury to a child under 14.
On numerous dates between 2016 and 2021 two victims sustained repeated physical abuse by Brian Barnicle, including but not limited to one of the victims being struck with a cane about his head and body (causing a gash on head), one of the victims being struck numerous times with a belt (causing significant physical discomfort and permanent marking), one of the victims being struck multiple times by Brian Barnicle’s fists (leading to incidents of unconsciousness), one of the victims being struck with hands about the face (causing a black eye), and one of the victims being strangled by Brian Barnicle. While Crystale Barnicle is not alleged to have physically struck the victims, she was aware of the abuse and at many times present during the abuse and never made effort to stop the abuse, to call for help, or to remove the victims from the substantial and unjustifiable risk of injury.
Following police involvement Brian & Crystale Barnicle intimidated the victims and witnesses involved.
The charges stem from an investigation conducted by Detective Michael Zontini of the Yarmouth Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Second Assistant District Attorney Tara Cappola and Victim/ Witness Assistant Deborah McCoy.
Brian & Crystale Barnicle will return to the Barnstable Superior Court for sentencing on Tuesday January 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in the Barnstable Superior Court.
District Attorney Galibois would like to recognize the courage of the victims and witnesses that testified before the court and jury on this case.
The Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office will make no additional comments regarding the case against Brian & Crystale Barnicle at this time.
From Yarmouth Police: Last Tuesday, husband and wife Brian and Crystale Barnicle were sentenced after being found guilty by a jury in Barnstable Superior Court. Brian Barnicle received a 10-12 year sentence in state prison, while Crystale Barnicle was sentenced to two and a half years in the House of Correction. Both defendants were additionally given sentences that included supervised probation.
The Yarmouth Police Department expresses gratitude to the multidisciplinary team members who played a crucial role in the success of this investigation. The team, which includes members from partner agencies, provided professional and compassionate care to the victims and was instrumental in the case’s successful outcome.
Yarmouth Police also thank the Assistant District Attorneys and Victim Witness Assistants from the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office, who were also integral team members. These professionals collaborated with the Yarmouth Police Department’s High Risk/Special Victims Unit from the initial disclosure of the crime through its prosecution at Barnstable Superior Court.
Everyone involved in this victim-centered, trauma-informed investigation ensured that the voices of the victims were heard and their needs were addressed throughout the entire process.
