A 29-year-old Massachusetts man has been charged with murder and assault following allegations that he brutally killed his 90-year-old grandmother using a skateboard and attacked other family members in a violent incident at their shared residence.
Arrest and Charges
Hudson police arrested Devin Dube on Tuesday afternoon after receiving multiple emergency calls reporting violent behavior at the Munson Street home he shared with family, including his grandmother Elaine Dube, according to the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office. Dube was arraigned in Marlborough District Court on Wednesday, where a judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Police Response and Community Reassurance
"This is a senseless tragedy, and our thoughts are with everyone impacted during this incredibly difficult time," Hudson Police Chief Richard DiPersio stated during a press conference on Wednesday. He added, "I want to reassure our community that there is no ongoing threat to the public."
Mental Health History and Competency Concerns
Forensic psychologist Hillary Novak, who performed an initial examination of Dube, reportedly informed the court that she had previously evaluated him in 2023. She noted that Dube has a history of schizophrenia and has not been taking his medications. Novak stated that the suspect reported experiencing auditory hallucinations on the day of the alleged murder.
"With everything I've seen, it leaves me to question his competency to stand trial," Novak told the court. Dube is currently being held without bail and has been sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for a comprehensive mental health evaluation. He is scheduled to return to court for a probable cause hearing on April 17.
Details of the Attack
Police were first called to the residence around 3:10 p.m. on Tuesday after a woman dialed 911, reporting she was being attacked with a skateboard. A male resident then contacted authorities to describe an ongoing altercation inside the home, which included the alleged assault on Elaine Dube, who lived in a basement apartment on the property.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that Devin Dube had allegedly fled the scene. Approximately 45 minutes later, police received a third call from a nearby address on Tower Street about an individual running around on the property. Authorities located Dube hiding in a van and arrested him without incident.
Injuries and Aftermath
Elaine Dube, along with Devin Dube's brother and sister, were transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester for treatment of their injuries. Tragically, Elaine Dube later succumbed to her injuries. Devin Dube's siblings were released from the hospital on Tuesday night after receiving care for non-life-threatening facial and upper body injuries.
Prior Police Contacts
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan revealed during the Wednesday press conference that police had prior contacts with Devin Dube, but emphasized that "never behavior of this level" had been observed before. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and statements from witnesses.
