On Sunday, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office issued a press release stating that a Newton resident, Richard Hanson, 64, has been charged 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 home.
This is the fourth homicide in Newton in recent weeks. On June 25, in an unrelated incident, Lucia Arpino, her daughter Gilda (Jill) D’Amore, and Jill’s husband, Bruno D’Amore were murdered in their home in Nonantum.
According to District Attorney Ryan, Newton police received a call on Saturday evening from a juvenile reporting the assault from inside the home on Brookline Street. When police arrived, they found the victim suffering from apparent blunt force injuries. She was taken to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where she died. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has ruled the death a homicide, and the District Attorney’s Office anticipates additional charges.
The press release reports that the Newton Police had been attempting to serve a restraining order against Richard Hanson that was issued by Newton District Court on July 13, 2023.
Richand Hanson is currently being held without bail, and the investigation is open and ongoing and is being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and the Newton Police.
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller stated, “I know I speak for everyone in Newton when I say my heart goes out to the woman’s family and friends. …Relationship violence is all too prevalent in our country and Newton is no exception. …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.” She referred the public to resources regarding domestic violence and mental health.
