Massachusetts Man Faces Murder Charges in Skateboard Killing of Grandmother
A 29-year-old Massachusetts man has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly beating his 90-year-old grandmother to death with a skateboard during a violent rampage inside their family home. Devin Dube stands accused of carrying out the deadly assault at 10 Munson Street in Hudson, approximately 45 minutes west of Boston, on Tuesday afternoon around 3pm.
Fatal Attack in Basement Apartment
According to Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan, Dube struck his grandmother, Elaine Dube, 'several times with a skateboard' in the basement apartment where she resided. The elderly victim was rushed to UMass Medical Center in Worcester but later succumbed to severe 'cranial and facial' injuries sustained during the brutal attack.
Following the fatal beating, Dube reportedly turned his violence toward other family members. He allegedly attacked his sister and father with the same skateboard before fleeing the residence prior to police arrival. Authorities located Dube hiding in a van on Tower Street approximately 45 minutes later and took him into custody without incident.
Multiple Charges and Court Proceedings
Dube now faces multiple serious charges including:
- Murder
- Assault and battery causing serious bodily injury over 60
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon over 60
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
The defendant was arraigned Wednesday in Marlborough District Court, where a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf. During a press conference, District Attorney Ryan described the weapon as a 'typical skateboard' featuring a wooden platform and metal wheels.
Victims and Investigation Details
Dube's sister and father were also transported to hospital for treatment of 'facial and upper body injuries' but have since been released. Authorities revealed that Dube's sister initially placed the 911 call that alerted emergency services to the violent incident.
As of Tuesday, investigators had not recovered the skateboard used in the attacks. The district attorney's office, in conjunction with state police and Hudson police, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal assault.
Extensive Criminal and Psychiatric History
Court records reveal Dube has an extensive criminal history spanning several years. Previous incidents include:
- A 2020 attempted home invasion where Dube allegedly threw a planter through a glass door and threatened occupants with a knife
- A 2023 arrest for violating a restraining order involving the same family
- A 2024 altercation at a skate park where he reportedly yelled racial slurs and made threats
During court proceedings, forensic psychologist Dr. Hilary Novak informed Judge Pacifico DeCapua that Dube has demonstrated 'a number of psychiatric symptoms.' She detailed his history of schizophrenia and ongoing auditory hallucinations, noting he had not been taking prescribed medication and reported experiencing hallucinations on the day of the attack.
Psychiatric Evaluation Ordered
Judge DeCapua ordered Dube held without bail pending a 20-day psychiatric evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital. Dr. Novak expressed concerns about Dube's competency to stand trial, stating, 'With everything I've seen, it leaves me to question his competency to stand trial.'
The psychologist recommended the medium-security facility due to 'the nature of the charges and history of alleged assaultive behavior,' describing Bridgewater State Hospital as appropriate given the seriousness of the allegations.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
Hudson Police Chief Richard DiPersio characterized Dube's actions as a 'senseless tragedy' while confirming no motive has been established. He assured residents there is no ongoing threat to public safety, emphasizing, 'This was not a random act of violence.'
Despite this assurance, police have increased their presence near the Dube family home as the investigation continues. Dube is scheduled to return to court on April 17 for a probable cause hearing.
The Middlesex District Attorney's Office continues its investigation alongside state and local law enforcement agencies. The Daily Mail has reached out to both the district attorney's office and a phone number associated with the Dube family for additional comment regarding this tragic case.
