WEST BRIDGEWATER, MASS. (WHDH) - Police in the town of West Bridgewater have launched a homicide investigation after investigators say an elderly woman was bludgeoned to death in her home on Sunday night by the son of her longtime boyfriend.
Authorities say officers responded around 6 p.m. to 93 Columbus Avenue after receiving information that a 72-year-old woman had been murdered. They say officers found her with “obvious sign of trauma.” She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The street was blocked off for several hours overnight as investigators worked at the scene. After detectives searched the home, warrants were issued for the arrest of 34-year-old Danny J. Lopes, Jr.
Lopes was arrested early Monday in North Providence, according to authorities. He is being held in Rhode Island as a fugitive from justice. Investigators believe Lopes used a fireplace log to bludgeon the woman’s head.
“She was found to have been bludgeoned to death about the head,” Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz said. “At this time we believe the murder weapon was a fireplace log.”
Authorities say the victim was a longtime girlfriend of Lopes’ father. The victim’s name has not been released.
The state medical examiner’s office and state police detectives assigned to Cruz’s office are investigating, along with West Bridgewater detectives.
Residents in the neighborhood say they are shocked and concerned by the developments.
Police say Lopes does not have a history of violence. A motive for the murder is not clear at this time.
Authorities say the last murder in West Bridge water was more than 30 years ago.
DA says 34 y.o. Danny Lopes beat the victim with a log. The 72 y.o. victim was the longtime gf of his late father. pic.twitter.com/zw2s4W6Kvt
— Kim Lucey (@KimLucey) August 28, 2017
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