A 90-year-old woman has died after a violent attack inside a Massachusetts home that also left two other family members injured, according to prosecutors.
Authorities say the incident happened on a Tuesday in Hudson, a town roughly 40 miles west of Boston. Police were first alerted after a 911 call came in from inside the residence, reporting that a man was attacking family members with a skateboard.
A second emergency call soon followed, reporting that the same man had assaulted his grandmother, 90-year-old Elaine Dube, inside a basement apartment where she lived in the home.
Investigators say the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Devin Dube, attacked his grandmother multiple times with a skateboard. Prosecutors allege the assault continued until she suffered fatal injuries. He then reportedly got into additional altercations with his sister and father, striking them with the same object.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said the situation escalated quickly inside the home. She stated that the grandmother was attacked in her living space before the violence spread to other family members in the house.
Elaine Dube was rushed to UMass Memorial Medical Center after emergency responders arrived, but she later died from her injuries. Her daughter and husband were also taken to hospital for treatment but were not seriously injured.
After the incident, police say Devin Dube left the home and was later found hiding in a van at another address in Hudson. Officers arrested him without incident.
He has been charged with murder along with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was ordered held without bail and sent for a competency evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital after a doctor raised concerns about schizophrenia. He is due back in court on April 17.
Local police officials confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public following the arrest.
Hudson Police Chief Richard DiPersio described the situation as a deeply distressing event for everyone involved and extended condolences to the family affected.
Neighbors also expressed sadness over the incident. One neighbor, Russell Gutknecht, said Elaine Dube was known in the community as a kind and positive person who was well liked by those around her.
Authorities noted that the suspect does have a criminal record, though prosecutors said there is no documented history of domestic violence prior to this case.