| SUNDAY, JULY 16, 2023
Last night we had another horrific tragedy in Newton as violence ended in the murder of a wife in her Brookline Street home.
I know I speak for everyone in Newton when I say my heart goes out to the woman’s family and friends.
The woman who was murdered appears to be the victim of domestic violence. The victim’s husband was arrested at the scene by Newton police officers after responding to a 911 call and he remains in the custody of the Newton Police Department.
Relationship violence is all too prevalent in our country and Newton is no exception. If you or anyone you care about is being mistreated or feels that their choices are being taken away by a partner, click here for a list of area resources.
I am writing this just three weeks after the tragic murders of Jill and Bruno D’Amore and Jill’s mother, Lucia Arpino. Our community is reeling, and I know so many of us are feeling unsettled. This is the time to reach out to family, friends, faith leaders and mental health professionals rather than hunkering down and going it alone. Click here for more information.
I am grateful to be working closely with Police Chief John Carmichael, Superintendent George McMains and the Newton Police Department as well as the Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan and her team. These are committed, skilled, compassionate professionals who have my full confidence.
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The following is a press release from District Attorney Marian Ryan and NPD Chif John Carmichael:
Man Charged in Connection with Fatal Assault in Newton
POSTED ON: JULY 16, 2023 – 5:40PM
NEWTON – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Newton Chief of Police John Carmichael have confirmed that Richard Hanson, 64 of Newton, has been charged with assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury in connection with allegedly fatally assaulting his wife, Nancy Hanson, 54, in their Brookline Street home last night.
Yesterday, at approximately 8:21 p.m. a juvenile inside the home called 911 to report the ongoing assault. Upon arrival police located Mrs. Hanson suffering from apparent blunt force injuries. She was transported to Brigham and Women’s hospital where she died. The preliminary investigation suggests that during the physical altercation Richard Hanson allegedly struck his wife with one or more objects multiple times. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has ruled the death a homicide and the cause of death was blunt force trauma. We do anticipate additional charges.
On July 13, 2023, a restraining order was issued against Mr. Hanson in the Newton District Court, which the Newton Police had attempted to serve. Mr. Hanson was charged last night and is being held without bail pending his arraignment tomorrow in Newton District Court.
This is an open and ongoing investigation being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office and Newton Police.
With a heavy heart,
Ruthanne |
