Newton Man Charged In Connection With Fatal Assault Of His Wife

NEWTON, MA —A Newton man has been charged in connection with a fatal assault on his wife Saturday night, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Newton Chief of Police John Carmichael.

Richard Hanson, 64, is charged with assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury after allegedly fatally assaulting Nancy Hanson, 54, in their Brookline Street Home.

On July 15 at approximately 8:21 p.m., police say a juvenile inside the home called 911 to report the ongoing assault.

Upon arrival, police located Nancy Hanson suffering from apparent blunt force injuries. She was transported to Brigham and Women’s hospital where she died.

Police say a preliminary investigation suggests that Richard Hanson allegedly struck his wife with one or more objects multiple times during the physical altercation. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has ruled the death a homicide and the cause of death was blunt force trauma.

According to the DA’s Office, a restraining order was issued against Richard Hanson in Newton District Court on July 13, and Newton police had been attempting to serve him with that.

Richard Hanson was arrested following Saturday night’s assault and is being held without bail pending his arraignment Monday in Newton District Court. The DA’s office says additional charges are expected.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing and no additional information has been released.