Woburn man dies after being found unconscious in Downtown Crossing; case now a homicide, police say

A Woburn man who was found unconscious with life-threatening injuries in Downtown Crossing earlier this month has succumbed to his injuries, according to authorities, who now allege the man was murdered.

In a press release Tuesday, Boston police said the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined Barry Whelan, 46, died as a result of blunt-force trauma.

The death was ruled a homicide, officials said.

Officers found Whelan lying “face up and unconscious” around 9 p.m. at an ATM near 17 Winter St. on March 17, according to a police report.

Paramedics told authorities they found a “small abrasion” on the back of Whelan’s head, although it was unclear based on the report whether he was suffering from any other injuries.

He was brought to a local hospital. He was later taken off life support and pronounced dead on March 24, police said Tuesday.

“The Boston Police Department is actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident,” police said. “Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Boston Police Homicide Detectives at 617-343-4470.”

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