MAN CHARGED WITH ROOMMATE’S DEATH ON THANKSGIVING AFTER ARGUMENT OVER ‘CONTAMINATING THE FOOD’
A 65-year-old Massachusetts man has been charged with murder after allegedly killing his roommate on Thanksgiving after the man became upset that his roommate was too close to the food he was preparing for the holiday. Richard Lombardi, of Marshfield, pleaded not guilty in Plymouth District Court to assault and battery on a person 60 and over, causing serious injury, involuntary manslaughter, and related charges.
According to prosecutors, Lombardi threw 80-year-old Frank Griswold to the ground, hitting his head, breaking his neck, and nose, and leaving him with serious injuries. Lombardi claimed that the accident occurred because he became enraged when Griswold, who "often sneezes," walked into the kitchen near the food he was preparing for dinner.
Lombardi stated that he had a fight with Griswold and told him not to touch the food near the sink, saying he feared Griswold might sneeze and "contaminate the food." Lombardi later testified that he returned to the kitchen and found Griswold doing dishes nearby, grabbed him from behind, and threw him aside.
Prosecutors argue that Lombardi’s account does not match the physical evidence found at the scene and at the hospital. "He went over and grabbed Mr. Griswold from behind, grabbed his back and threw Mr. Griswold to the right and tossed him to the side," claimed Plymouth County Assistant District Attorney Joseph Presley.
The incident occurred at their residence on the eve of Thanksgiving, resulting in Lombardi’s arrest. A judge has held Lombardi without bail pending further trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 4.