A Massachusetts resident, Richard Lombardi, 65, has been arrested following the death of his 80-year-old roommate, Frank Griswold, over a disagreement related to their Thanksgiving meal preparation. Lombardi is facing charges of assault and battery on a person over 60, causing serious injury, and involuntary manslaughter, as per the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.
The incident took place in Marshfield, a town approximately 30 miles south-southeast of Boston, at the home the two men had shared for many years. The dispute arose when Lombardi allegedly attempted to physically move Griswold away from the food preparation area, causing Griswold to fall and hit his head.
Prosecutor Joseph Presley, in his statement to the judge, described the incident, saying Lombardi “grabbed his back and threw Mr. Griswold to the right, tossing him to the side.” Lombardi later called 911 when he realized Griswold was unconscious and bleeding on the floor.
Court records reveal that Lombardi told police that Griswold had a habit of sneezing and he did not want him to contaminate the food. Lombardi also admitted to having an argument with Griswold earlier in the day about him touching the food. Later, Lombardi found Griswold washing dishes, which he deemed too close to the food.
The court documents also suggest that Griswold may have been hit in the face, as cuts were found on that part of his body. First responders transported Griswold to South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, where he was later pronounced dead due to blunt force injury to the neck and head.
The two men had been friends since the 1990s, having met in the financial services industry. They had been living together since 2001 and had resided in the Main Street house since 2008.
Lombardi, who appeared in court on Friday and pleaded not guilty, was reportedly shocked by the events that led to the loss of his friend and his own freedom. Defense attorney Marshall Johnson stated, “He’s shocked because no one had told him that his friend had passed away until I told him this morning. So naturally that’s had quite a devastating effect on him mentally.” Lombardi is currently being held in the Plymouth County Jail without bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on Dec. 4.