Violent Kidnapping: 5 Busted In Central Mass Held Victims For Hours, Beat Them, DA Says

Five people are expected to be arraigned Friday, Feb. 17, that they took part in a violent assault and kidnapping at an Athol home earlier this month, authorities said.

Five people were arrested and charged on Friday, Feb. 17, with a violent kidnapping and robbery in Athol earlier this month.
Photo Credit: *Canva/Anele77*

Josh Lanier

02/17/2023 1:37 p.m.

The five were arrested in connection with a Feb. 1 kidnapping where two victims were held at a house for four hours against their will, robbed, and assaulted, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. One victim reported the incident to Athol police the following day.

This week, investigators arrested multiple people in the case. They are:

Franklin Payne, age 46, of Athol. He is charged with armed robbery, assault to maim, kidnapping, stealing by confining or putting in fear, assault and battery by a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, and conspiracy.
April Mccassie, age 41, of Athol. She is charged with armed robbery, kidnapping, stealing by confining or putting in fear, assault and battery, and conspiracy.
Brian Chamberland, age 38, of Athol. He is charged with armed robbery, kidnapping, stealing by confining or putting in fear, assault and battery, and conspiracy.
James Murphy, age 30, of Athol. He is charged with armed robbery, kidnapping, stealing by confining or putting in fear, assault and battery.
Marlene Hill, age 44, of Orange. She is charged with kidnapping, unarmed robbery, breaking and entering with intent to commit larceny in a building, and conspiracy.

Athol police and the Northwestern District Attorney's Office are investigating the case.

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