A Massachusetts resident, Andrew Horsman, 41, is facing charges for allegedly stabbing his mother’s boyfriend, Paul Pomerleau, 66, 17 times and attempting to set him on fire with lighter fluid. The violent incident reportedly occurred during a dispute over steaks at a Saturday dinner.
According to investigators, Horsman lost control during the argument at Pomerleau’s residence, where he was living with his mother and Pomerleau. Prosecutor Nicole Piacentini Lawson stated during Horsman’s arraignment hearing that he attacked Pomerleau, stabbing him 17 times. After Pomerleau collapsed, Horsman allegedly poured lighter fluid over him, but was stopped from igniting it by another family member.
Horsman fled the scene following the incident but was apprehended shortly after near the residence. He was charged with murder by the Middleborough Police Department. Pomerleau was transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries within an hour.
Prior to the fatal incident, there had been tension between the two men. Witnesses reported that Pomerleau had criticized Horsman for being unemployed and living with his mother at his age. The specifics of the argument over steaks have not been disclosed by investigators.
Joshua Wood, Horsman’s attorney, argued that his client’s violent actions were the result of years of unaddressed domestic violence. He emphasized the long-standing relationship between the two men, which was not always peaceful. Wood suggested that the full story would reveal that this was not a random act of violence, but a response to years of suffering.
The local community was shocked by the violent incident. Jeff Burr, a neighbor who had known Horsman for 30 years, described him as a “gentle giant” and a “great guy” who would “give you the shirt off his back.”
Horsman pleaded not guilty to the murder charge during his arraignment. He is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on July 28.