MARSHFIELD, Mass. (Gray News) – A Massachusetts man is facing charges after officials say his 80-year-old roommate died in a fall when the suspect shoved him away from Thanksgiving dinner.
Richard Lombardi, 65, pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of involuntary manslaughter and assault and battery on a person over 60 in connection with the death of his roommate, 80-year-old Frank Griswold, according to a joint statement from Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz and Marshfield Police Chief Phillip Tavares.
Lombardi was making Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday afternoon when Griswold entered the kitchen. He says he warned Griswold not to go near the food because he was prone to sneezing, but his roommate did so anyway, WBZ reports.
Officials say Lombardi shoved Griswold, who fell to the floor and hit his head, suffering a cut on his forehead and a fractured neck.
“He did demonstrate that to police and showed that he grabbed and shoved the victim, grabbing him from the back of his collar and his side and shoving him to the side,” said Plymouth County Assistant District Attorney Joseph Presley during Lombardi’s arraignment, according to WFXT.
Lombardi called 911, and when officers arrived, WBZ reports they found Griswold unconscious in a pool of blood. Officials say he was taken to the hospital, where he died of his injuries.
Lombardi’s attorney, Marshall Johnson, says his client didn’t learn of Griswold’s death until Friday morning and was devastated by the news. Court records show the two had been roommates since 2001 after they met at work in the 1990s, according to WBTS.
“What I heard and what I’m sure some of you heard in the courtroom was as close to an accident and nothing more as I have heard in a long time,” said Johnson, as reported by WBZ.
Officials say Lombardi is being held without bail. He is scheduled to appear in court again Wednesday for a dangerousness hearing.
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