LEOMINSTER, MASS. (WHDH) - The man who barricaded himself in his home in Leominster Friday as part of an hours-long standoff involving a SWAT team and police appeared in court on Monday.
James Marsh, 64, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing bodily injury.
Prosecutors say police were called to Marsh’s home in Leominster on Union Street Friday afternoon. When they entered the home, police say they found Marsh on the couch with a gun, and a woman wrapped in a sheet on the couch next to him.
Crews left the home after seeing the weapon and a three-hour standoff ensued. Marsh later surrendered. Police say they entered the home to find Marsh’s 62-year-old wife, Ann Marsh, dead on the couch with trauma to her face and head.
“On December 26 during an altercation with his wife at home, he shot and killed his wife, and when police responded to the home, pointed a firearm at the responding police officers,” prosecutor Brett Dillon said.
Ann’s former boss of more than 30 years said he was shocked at word of her death.
“She was just a happy person, always bubbly, always having plenty of fun but still took care of business at work,” said Steve Gariepy, Ann’s Former Boss. “We did get together with them occasionally. There was never anything I can recall that she every said that was bad about him, which makes this so shocking.”
Detectives received the same surprised response from neighbors as they combed through the neighborhood searching for answers.
“I don’t know what the heck happened. I don’t understand,” said Michael Senneville, a neighbor. “I really don’t understand what was going on because I never saw any trouble over there. Very sad. Very sad.”
James Marsh is currently being held without bail.
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