Newton Man Accused of Killing Wife Pleads Not Guilty and Is Held Without Bail

Newton, July 17, 2023 – Richard Hanson, a 64-year-old Newton man, pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in the death of his wife, Nancy Hanson. The incident occurred just two days after Nancy filed a restraining order against him. At his arraignment in Newton District Court, Richard was ordered held without bail.

According to prosecutor Megan McGovern, the police received two 911 calls on the night of the incident. One call was from a child in the house, and the other call was from one of Nancy’s friends. The couple’s son told the police that his father was using a baseball bat to attack his mother, while he and his two younger brothers were downstairs. Nancy’s friend, who was on the phone with her at the time, also heard the fight and the cries of the children in the background.

When the police arrived at the Hanson residence, they found Richard with blood splattered on his body and clothes. He made statements to the effect of Nancy cheating on him and expressed disbelief at his actions. The police discovered Nancy unconscious with a head wound in a child’s bedroom. A baseball bat and a weighted bar with blood on them were found near her. She was rushed to Brigham and Women’s Hospital but succumbed to her injuries.

During the investigation, the police interviewed the son who called 911. He revealed that his parents had a history of fighting, and it had escalated over the past week. An autopsy later revealed that Nancy had multiple injuries, including fractured forearms, fractured ribs, blunt force injuries to her skull, defensive wounds on her hands and fingers, and a bruised torso.

Nancy had obtained a restraining order against Richard two days before her tragic death. However, authorities were unable to serve him with the order. It was also revealed that she had previously filed a restraining order against her husband in 2021, which he violated.

The Department of Children and Families has taken custody of the children who lived in the home. Richard Hanson is scheduled to appear in court again on August 16.

This devastating incident highlights the urgent need to address the issue of domestic violence and ensure the safety of those who are at risk. Domestic violence resources are available to support and protect individuals facing such situations. It is essential that steps are taken to prevent further tragedies like this from occurring.