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Mental Health

CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy
CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has retained high-profile attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo, who could mount a defense centered on Mangione's mental state. Friedman Agnifilo, a former Manhattan Chief Assistant District Attorney turned criminal defense lawyer, suggested a possible strategy even before formally joining Mangione’s legal team.  “It looks to me like there might be a not guilty by reason of insanity defense that they’re going to be thinking about because the evidence is going to be so overwhelming that he did wh…
CEO Murder: Whiz Kid Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery CEO Murder: Whiz Kid Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery
CEO Murder: Whiz Kid Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the whiz kid Ivy League-educated high school valedictorian accused of the execution-style murder of the CEO of one of the nation's largest healthcare providers, may have spiraled out of control after traumatic back surgery. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione The procedure, which allegedly left Mangione in significant physical and emotional distress, may have contributed to his deteriorating mental state, a factor authorities are considering as part of their investigation. …
Most Americans Say 2024 Election Is Damaging Their Mental Health: Study Most Americans Say 2024 Election Is Damaging Their Mental Health: Study
Most Americans Say 2024 Election Is Damaging Their Mental Health: Study Feeling a bit anxious these days? You're not alone. A total of 61 percent of Americans say that the upcoming Tuesday, Nov. 5 election has slightly, moderately, or significantly impacted their mental health, according to a brand-new poll published by Forbes Health. “I believe some people’s anxiety comes from past post-election results,” Dr. Rufus Tony Spann, a certified school psychologist and licensed professional counselor, told Forbes. “Based on the results of previous elections, some communities felt they needed to prepare for the backlash due to the results of an election.” About 2,00…
Murder-Suicide: Mom, Baby Boy ID'd As Victims In North Andover Slayings, DA Says Murder-Suicide: Mom, Baby Boy ID'd As Victims In North Andover Slayings, DA Says
Murder-Suicide: Mom, Baby Boy ID'd As Victims In North Andover Slayings, DA Says Police believe the 35-year-old woman who was found dead at a North Andover home this week fatally stabbed her 9-month-old son before turning the knife on herself.  Jennifer T. Paez and her son Valentino Paez were found on Monday, Aug. 19, at the Turnpike Street home just after 5:15 p.m., the Essex County District Attorney's Office said. Jennifer was dead when officers arrived, but Valentino clung to life for more than an hour before dying from his injuries at Lawrence General Hospital at 6:30 p.m.  Evidence at the scene revealed that Jennifer stabbed Valentino and then hersel…
Matt Damon Lobbies For 'Beautiful' Statue Of Robin Williams In Mass. Park Matt Damon Lobbies For 'Beautiful' Statue Of Robin Williams In Mass. Park
Matt Damon Lobbies For 'Beautiful' Statue Of Robin Williams In Mass. Park Robin Williams died 10 years ago, but he lives on in the movies, shows, and comedy specials he created during his long and impressive career. Now one artist wants to bring him back into the real world to comfort anyone who needs it.  Cambridge native Matt Damon hopes it will happen.  During an interview for his new movie "The Instigators," Damon said he'd heard of a proposal to honor the late actor that he called "beautiful." The idea is to cast a bronze statue of Robin Williams and place it on the bench in the Boston Public Garden, where the two had an iconic scene in the fi…
Ex-Boston Prosecutor Gets 5-10 Years For 2021 Rape; Victim Says Her Life Full Of Fear, Paranoia Ex-Boston Prosecutor Gets 5-10 Years For 2021 Rape; Victim Says Her Life Full Of Fear, Paranoia
Ex-Boston Prosecutor Gets 5-10 Years For 2021 Rape; Victim Says Her Life Full Of Fear, Paranoia Gary Zerola, a well-known Boston defense attorney who served as a former prosecutor in Suffolk and Essex counties, was sentenced to five to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of 2021 rape, authorities said.  Zerola, 52, of Salem, was found guilty last month after prosecutors said he broke into a 21-year-old woman's home in the middle of the night and sexually assaulted her.  He had been accused and acquitted of several rapes in 2008, the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office said.  Zerola's victim submitted a letter to the court explaining how her life has chang…
Mom Of 6-Year-Old Who Drowned In Mass. Lake Asks For Help: 'Incredibly Difficult' Mom Of 6-Year-Old Who Drowned In Mass. Lake Asks For Help: 'Incredibly Difficult'
Zayan Mayanja Drowned In Nabnasset Lake After Leaving Home Community support has poured in for the family of a 6-year-old non-verbal autistic boy who drowned over the weekend in a Westford Lake after the child's mother created a fundraising campaign.   The body of Zayan Mayanja was found in Nabnasset Lake on Sunday, June 23, after he snuck out of a window at his family's home on Chestnut Road.  Nazifah Namaganda, Zayan's mother, wrote that her son loved to read and cared about animals. She created a GoFundMe to help cover the cost of the boy's funeral, which was held on Wednesday, June 26.  It's with gr…
Man Accused Of South Shore Stabbing Spree Killed Man In CT Before Rampage: Police Man Accused Of South Shore Stabbing Spree Killed Man In CT Before Rampage: Police
Man Accused Of South Shore Stabbing Spree Killed Man In CT Before Rampage: Police A 26-year-old Massachusetts man who is charged with stabbing six people, including four young girls at an AMC theater in Braintree over the weekend, is now accused of killing a man in Connecticut before the attacks began in the Bay State, authorities said.  Jared Ravizza, of Chilmark, is charged with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault with intent to murder and two counts of assault and battery after allegedly attacking two McDonald's workers on Saturday, May 25, the Plymouth County District Attorney said. More charges are expected.  Connecticut S…
ID Released For Driver Killed After Deliberate Crash Into Health Center In Mass ID Released For Driver Killed After Deliberate Crash Into Health Center In Mass
ID Released For Driver Killed After Deliberate Crash Into Health Center In Mass The identity of a Massachusetts man who allegedly deliberately crashed into the front of a psychiatric hospital has been released by officials. Related: Driver Dies After Deliberate Crash Into Devens Health Center The incident occurred in Worcester County around 5:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 10, at 85 Patton Road in Devens. On Thursday, April 12, Lindsay Corcoran of the Worcester County District Attorney's Office identified John M. Ahern Jr., age 62, of West Boylston, as the person who crashed into the front of the building at 85 Patton Road in Devens.  The truck was on fir…
Driver Killed After Deliberate Crash Into Health Center In Massachusetts Driver Killed After Deliberate Crash Into Health Center In Massachusetts
Driver Killed After Deliberate Crash Into Health Center In Massachusetts Massachusetts State Police are investigating after a person was killed after allegedly deliberately crashing a truck into the front of a mental healthcare center. Click here for a new, updated story: ID Released For Driver Killed After Deliberate Crash Into Health Center In Mass The incident occurred in Worcester County around 5:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 10, at 85 Patton Road in Devens. According to Lindsay Corcoran of the Worcester County District Attorney's Office, a truck was found to have crashed into the front of the building at 85 Patton Road in Devens. The truck was on fire, …
29-Year-Old From Connecticut Focus Of Netflix Documentary On His Mom's Mysterious Death On Boat 29-Year-Old From Connecticut Focus Of Netflix Documentary On His Mom's Mysterious Death On Boat
29-Year-Old From Connecticut Focus Of Netflix Documentary On His Mom's Mysterious Death On Boat A 29-year-old from Connecticut who was accused of killing his mother and grandfather is the focus of a new Netflix documentary on the mysterious deaths.  Netflix said earlier this month the documentary will explore the mysteries surrounding Middlesex County native Nathan Carman, of Middletown, who was accused of killing his mother Linda Carman while on a fishing trip in 2016, and his grandfather, John Chakalos. three years earlier in 2013. Carman, who died while in police custody last year, allegedly killed his mother while fishing off the coast of Rhode Island on the family boat.…
Podcaster Alex Cooper Says Boston U Soccer Coach Left Her ‘Traumatized,’ ‘Scarred’ Podcaster Alex Cooper Says Boston U Soccer Coach Left Her ‘Traumatized,’ ‘Scarred’
Podcaster Alex Cooper Says Boston U Soccer Coach Left Her ‘Traumatized,’ ‘Scarred’ Alex Cooper, host and creator of the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” revealed she is working through a traumatic experience she had with a coach while playing soccer at Boston University. In a profile interview with Cosmopolitan magazine, Cooper of Newtown, Pennsylvania, addresses the incident but would not go into detail or name the coach. Instead, the 29-year-old focused on healing, “which I’m proud of myself for.” “Now that I’ve created this platform, I feel new wisdom in certain aspects of my life, from experience and therapy and people I surround myself with,” Cooper told the magazi…
COVID-19: Pandemic Has Caused 'Collective Trauma' Among US Adults, New Poll Reveals COVID-19: Pandemic Has Caused 'Collective Trauma' Among US Adults, New Poll Reveals
Covid-19: Pandemic Has Caused 'Collective Trauma' Among US Adults, New Poll Reveals Adult Americans are still experiencing "collective trauma" nearly four years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a brand-new poll. The long-term stress sustained since the outbreak began has had a significant impact on well-being, evidenced by a significant increase in reported mental health conditions and chronic illnesses, according to the results of the nationwide survey conducted by The Harris Poll for the American Psychological Association (APA) among more than 3,000 US adults age 18 and older. Those ages 35 to 44 reported the most significant increase in chroni…
Missing Boston Woman Could Be In Danger, Police Ask For Help Finding Her Missing Boston Woman Could Be In Danger, Police Ask For Help Finding Her
Missing Boston Woman Could Be In Danger, Police Ask For Help Finding Her Police in Boston are asking for the public's help to find a missing 23-year-old woman. Helen Medina, of Jamaica Plain, was last seen in Worcester on Tuesday, Oct. 17, according to the Boston Police Department. A woman who claims to be Medina’s sister said in a Facebook post that she was discharged from a hospital in Worcester for behavioral medicine. She doesn't have a phone, ID, or means of transportation. BPD Missing Person With Complications Alert: Helen Medina, 23, Of Jamaica Plain BPD Missing Person Alert: Detectives... Posted by Boston Police Department (Official) on Monday, …
Maine Mass Shooting Manhunt Ends After Suspect Found Dead: 'Threat To Public Is Over' Maine Mass Shooting Manhunt Ends After Suspect Found Dead: 'Threat To Public Is Over'
Maine Mass Shooting Manhunt Ends After Suspect Found Dead: 'Threat To Public Is Over' An urgent manhunt that began after 18 people were killed and 14 injured in a mass shooting at two locations in Lewiston, Maine, ended overnight with the discovery of the 40-year-old suspect's body.  Robert Card was found dead in Lisbon, Maine, about a mile from where a white Subaru Outback he was believed to be driving was located at a boat launch. Lisbon is located about 7 miles southeast of Lewiston. Card died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a box trailer in an overflow parking lot at the Maine Recycling Corporation, which is where he once worked, according to authoriti…
Man Not Guilty Of Stabbing Mass Mom To Death By Reason Of Insanity: DA Man Not Guilty Of Stabbing Mass Mom To Death By Reason Of Insanity: DA
Man Not Guilty Of Stabbing Mass Mom To Death By Reason Of Insanity: DA A 25-year-old man was found not guilty by reason of insanity on Thursday, Oct. 12, of stabbing his 51-year-old mother to death in their home in 2019, authorities said.  Sean Murphy lived with his parents on Landau Street in Plainville in October 2019 when he attacked his mother, Carlyn Murphy stabbing her multiple times, the Norfolk County District Attorney said. No motive was ever given for the attack.  When the bloody work was over, Sean Murphy drove to Showcase Cinema de Lux at Patriot Place in Foxborough to watch the movie "Joker," reports said. The main character of the …
Man, 22, Shot His Mom, Her Friend With Illegally Purchased Pistol: DA Man, 22, Shot His Mom, Her Friend With Illegally Purchased Pistol: DA
Man, 22, Shot His Mom, Her Friend With Illegally Purchased Pistol: DA A 22-year-old Middlesex County man is being held for a mental health evaluation after police arrested him for shooting his mother and one of her friends, authorities said.  Brent Justice Roman-Finnagan of Lexington used an illegally purchased pistol to pull off the attack, the Middlesex County District Attorney said. Roman-Finnagan's mom, age 57, called 911 around 4:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, to report that her son had shot her and her friend, a 55-year-old Haverhill woman, the prosecutor said. Their names were not released.  Lexington police took Roman-Finnagan into custody …
Andover Dealer Who Caused OD Death, Bragged About Drugs' Strength Gets 5 Years: DA Andover Dealer Who Caused OD Death, Bragged About Drugs' Strength Gets 5 Years: DA
Andover Dealer Who Caused OD Death, Bragged About Drugs' Strength Gets 5 Years: DA A 28-year-old man who sold drugs to an Andover 20-year-old who died after taking them will spend the next five years in prison, authorities announced on Wednesday, Sept. 20.  Joseph Comeau, 28, pleaded guilty to intimidation of a witness and manslaughter in the death of Max Durham in 2019, the Essex County District Attorney's Office said. The prosecutor's office asked for a sentence of eight to 10 years in jail.  Police said Durham purchased drugs from Comeau on Dec. 6, 2019, in Manchester, New Hampshire. During the deal, Comeau bragged about how powerful the drugs were. Though he…
Medford Man Dies Unexpectedly, Community Rallies Around 'Devastated' Family Medford Man Dies Unexpectedly, Community Rallies Around 'Devastated' Family
Medford Man Dies Unexpectedly, Community Rallies Around 'Devastated' Family A Middlesex County man described as "the type of kid everyone knew and loved" died, leading his community to support his grieving family.  Anthony Schiavone, of Medford, died unexpectedly and tragically, according to Facebook posts made by loved ones and a GoFundMe created on Thursday, Aug. 24.  Schiavone was a graduate of Medford Vocational Tech High, according to his Facebook page. He was described as a "hard worker" and a "great person" in one Facebook tribute post. That post ended with the hashtags #mentalhealthIsReal and #CheckOnThePeopleYouLove. "You’d be har…
Engaged Eastern Mass Woman Dies Unexpectedly, Community Rallies for Family,  Fiancé Engaged Eastern Mass Woman Dies Unexpectedly, Community Rallies for Family,  Fiancé
Engaged Eastern Mass Woman Dies Unexpectedly, Community Rallies for Family, Fiancé The community of a woman who "suffered in silence" rallied together to raise enough money to give her an "amazing" farewell, with money left over to create a foundation in her name.  Bruna Rocha, of Woburn, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Aug. 9, leaving behind a heartbroken family and a fiancé who called Rocha his "soul mate," according to a GoFundMe created for her funeral services and social media posts. Rocha attended Matignon High School in Cambridge before attending UMass Boston from 2013 to 2019. She worked at, among other places, On Pointe Dance Academy in Everett, according to her…
Central Mass Flight Crew Attacker Who Threatened 'Blood Bath' Unfit For Trial: Report Central Mass Flight Crew Attacker Who Threatened 'Blood Bath' Unfit For Trial: Report
Central Mass Flight Crew Attacker Who Threatened 'Blood Bath' Unfit For Trial: Report A Worcester County man who threatened to kill passengers aboard a Los Angeles to Boston flight, attacked the flight crew with a metal spoon, and tried to open the plane's door mid-flight is not competent to stand trial, a federal judge ruled this week.   Francisco Severo Torres, 33, of Leominster, was charged in March with interference and attempted interference with flight crew members and attendants using a dangerous weapon, which could carry a life sentence in prison, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Related: Terror After Takeoff: Man Tried To Open Plane Door, Stab Flight Atten…
Mass College Grad Raises Over $20K For Charity Through Game-Based Competition Series Mass College Grad Raises Over $20K For Charity Through Game-Based Competition Series
Mass College Grad Raises Over $20K For Charity Through Game-Based Competition Series In a world full of menial methods for giving back to charity, one recent college graduate decided to flip the philanthropic industry on its head by launching his own company. Synpact, which was founded by recent Babson College graduate Dylan McNamara, "is a social enterprise that elevates the giving experience through entertainment, transparency, community, and incentives."  The startup venture is committed to revolutionizing the philanthropic industry and redefining the power of collective impact. An example of Synpact’s mission was their inaugural “Give & Game” event, which McNamara …
'Unimaginable' Death Of Mass Mother Sheds Light On Postpartum Depression 'Unimaginable' Death Of Mass Mother Sheds Light On Postpartum Depression
'Unimaginable' Death Of Mass Mother Sheds Light On Postpartum Depression WARNING: This article contains information related to suicide.  A family from Southeast Massachusetts is opening up the conversation surrounding mental health after a 36-year-old mother tragically took her own life following the birth of her twins.  Ariana Sutton, of Norton, was "a vibrant and devoted mother" who was "eagerly awaiting the arrival of her twins," a GoFundMe campaign reads. However, the twins' early arrival brought unexpected challenges that sadly pushed Sutton's mental health to the ultimate breaking point.  "Despite her relentless efforts to seek help, the burden of postpar…
Heartbreak Spreads As Treasured North Shore Brunch Spot Closes After 13 Years Heartbreak Spreads As Treasured North Shore Brunch Spot Closes After 13 Years
Heartbreak Spreads As Treasured North Shore Brunch Spot Closes After 13 Years There are very few times that diners find a place that feels like a home away from home. However, that was the reality for many North Shore residents when they visited Willow Rest in Gloucester. Unfortunately, the owner of the signature breakfast and brunch spot has made the difficult decision to close for good. Melissa Donati was almost without words when she announced that Willow Rest would be shutting down on Wednesday, May 31.  "I really do not know what to say except I am sorry. Sorry because I loved our store. I loved our customers," she wrote in a Facebook post.  "The…
Hospital Employee Brings High-Powered Rifle To Mass General, Says God Told Him To: Police Hospital Employee Brings High-Powered Rifle To Mass General, Says God Told Him To: Police
Hospital Employee Brings High-Powered Rifle To Mass General, Says God Told Him To: Police An employee of Massachusetts General Hospital brought a high-powered rifle to his place of work after calling 911, saying that "he heard God tell him that he needed to bring his rifle out if he wanted to avoid being shot" and that "police were out to kill him," according to a police report. Reports of a man experiencing a mental breakdown while carrying a hunting rifle sent Boston police to an apartment building at 36 Fleet Street in Boston at approximately 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, according to police documents. The man is an employee of the hospital, a representative for Massachus…
Crisis Negotiators Help SWAT, Police Resolve Situation At Stoneham Home Crisis Negotiators Help SWAT, Police Resolve Situation At Stoneham Home
Crisis Negotiators Help SWAT, Police Resolve Situation At Stoneham Home Crisis negotiators along with local police and SWAT officers successfully de-escalated a situation at a Stoneham home this week, according to officials.  The Town sent out an alert about police activity in the area north of Redstone near Main and North Streets around 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12.  Videos posted to social media captured multiple police cars and SWAT vehicles outside a residence in that area.  The activity was in response to an individual with a known mental illness threatening to harm himself and others at a home on Main Street, officials told Daily Voice.  Law enforce…
MBTA Train Nearly Hits Cohasset Woman Lying On Tracks: Police MBTA Train Nearly Hits Cohasset Woman Lying On Tracks: Police
MBTA Train Nearly Hits Cohasset Woman Lying On Tracks: Police An MBTA train engineer had to think fast when he came around a bend and saw a woman lying across the tracks only hundreds of feet away, officials say.  The Greenbush line train was heading from Scituate to Boston at 30 mph when the engineer saw the woman on the tracks between the Pleasant Street and Street crossings at around 10:55 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11, according to the Cohasset Police Department.  The engineer put the train, which was carrying about 10 passengers, into "emergency" and avoided hitting the woman. Cohasset police and firefighters were dispatched to the scene of the …
Man Tried To Throw Disabled Wife Into Boston Channel Because He Thought She Was 'Imposter': DA Man Tried To Throw Disabled Wife Into Boston Channel Because He Thought She Was 'Imposter': DA
Man Tried To Throw Disabled Wife Into Boston Channel Because He Thought She Was 'Imposter': DA A Suffolk County judge on Friday, March 17, ordered a man accused of trying to throw his wife into a Boston waterway because he thought she was an "imposter" to undergo a mental health evaluation, authorities said.  Jonathan Pinney, 38, of Boston, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with assault and battery on a family or household member and assault and battery on a disabled person, the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office said.  Several police called 911 just before 3 p.m. after they reportedly saw Pinney lift his wife from her wheelchair and try to throw h…
Family Fears The Worst For Dracut 36-Year-Old Missing For Almost 2 Weeks Family Fears The Worst For Dracut 36-Year-Old Missing For Almost 2 Weeks
Family Fears The Worst For Dracut 36-Year-Old Missing For Almost 2 Weeks Sonar, drone, and manual searches for a Dracut man have turned up nothing in the two weeks since he was last seen, according to his family. Matthew Hrinchuk, 36, was last seen on Saturday, March 25 around 11:30 p.m. at his Dracut home, according to the Dracut Police Department.  His phone and backpack were found near Aiken Bridge, said his sister Jenna Hrinchuk who is active in the push to find Matthew. "You’ve struggled with your mental health for so many years," Jenna wrote in a Facebook post directed at Matthew. "I hope you are joking right now but in my heart I feel like you really h…
FOUND: Dorchester Woman, 61, Wearing Colorful Scrubs FOUND: Dorchester Woman, 61, Wearing Colorful Scrubs
Found: Dorchester Woman, 61, Wearing Colorful Scrubs Police announced that the missing woman was found around 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, according to the Boston Police Department.  Police requested the public's help to find a 61-year-old Dorchester woman, officials say.  Yvonne Gadson, of Dorchester, was last seen around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22 near 236 Blue Hill Avenue in Boston, according to the Boston Police Department.  Gadson is 6 foot 2 and weighs 150 pounds, police say. She was last seen wearing colorful scrubs and white nurse shoes, and has been diagnosed with mental health issues.  Police request th…
Andover Father Was Depressed When He Shot 12-Year-Old Son, Wife To Death: DA Andover Father Was Depressed When He Shot 12-Year-Old Son, Wife To Death: DA
Andover Father Was Depressed When He Shot 12-Year-Old Son, Wife To Death: DA A man who shot and killed his wife and son at their Merrimack Valley home earlier this month was struggling with his mental health, investigators determined.  Andrew Robinson was depressed and "seeking treatment for physical and mental health issues" when he shot and killed his wife Linda and son Sebastian at their Andover home on Thursday, Feb. 9, the Essex County District Attorney's Office reports.  Investigators also learned that Andrew was prescribed medication for his conditions. Police had never been called to the house before, the office continued. “Unfortunately, we …