A man in Newton, Massachusetts is facing murder charges after allegedly attacking his wife in their home. The incident occurred while their children were present. Richard Hanson, 64, has been charged with murder, assault, and also battery with a dangerous weapon. He received these charges in connection with the death of his wife, Nancy Hanson, 54.
On Saturday evening at around 8:21 p.m., Newton police received simultaneous 911 calls from two individuals. One was the couple’s son, while the other was a friend of the victim who happened to be on the phone during the assault. According to prosecutors, the son reported that Richard Hanson struck his wife with a baseball bat during a physical altercation. The friend, who heard the phone drop followed by loud bangs and the children’s screams who pleaded with Richard to stop, exclaiming, “Dad, stop, you’re killing her!”
Upon arriving at the residence on Brookline Street, police discovered Nancy Hanson with apparent blunt-force injuries. She was found lying on the floor of one of her children’s bedrooms, her head severely injured. Nancy was rushed to Brigham and Women’s Hospital by ambulance but tragically succumbed to her injuries. Richard Hanson was found outside the home, his body and clothes splattered with blood. Prosecutors allege that he claimed his wife had been unfaithful.
The Chief Medical Examiner has determined that Nancy Hanson’s cause of death was blunt force trauma. Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller expressed her grief over the recent tragedy. She urged community members to seek support from family, friends, faith leaders, and mental health professionals during this difficult time.
The couple’s children have been placed in the custody of the Department of Children and Families, according to a spokesperson from DCF. Nancy Hanson’s death occurred just two days after a restraining order was issued against her husband, which the Newton Police had been attempting to serve. Richard Hanson remains in custody without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on August 16th.
The Newton community is once again grappling with tragedy as Richard Hanson faces murder charges for the brutal attack on his wife, Nancy. With their children present during the incident, the horrifying nature of the crime has left the community in shock. As the investigation continues, the city of Newton mourns the loss of another life and seeks solace in the support of one another.