A Massachusetts man is accused of fatally attacking his elderly roommate on Thanksgiving after an argument over the holiday meal. Richard Lombardi, 65, allegedly pushed 80-year-old Frank Griswold to the ground in their Marshfield home, leading to a fatal head injury, according to authorities.
The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office said Griswold, who frequently sneezed, was trying to wash his plate when Lombardi accused him of standing “too close” to the food. Lombardi reportedly told police he was worried Griswold might contaminate the meal and shoved him away from the kitchen area.
First responders found Griswold unconscious, lying in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor. Lombardi called 911 after the incident but claimed the fall was accidental, saying Griswold’s feet became tangled, causing him to hit his head.
Court documents reveal the two men were longtime friends who had shared a home for more than 20 years. Despite their history, tensions reportedly escalated as Lombardi became increasingly concerned about Griswold sneezing near the Thanksgiving spread.
Lombardi has been charged with assault and battery on a person 60 and over, causing serious injury, and involuntary manslaughter. He pleaded not guilty and is expected to return to court on Dec. 4.
The tragic incident underscores how a heated holiday dispute turned deadly, shocking a community and ending a decades-long friendship in violence.
