A Massachusetts man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after allegedly killing his elderly roommate during a Thanksgiving argument over food contamination. Richard Lombardi, 65, reportedly attacked 80-year-old Frank Griswold in their Marshfield home after accusing him of standing “too close” to the holiday meal.
According to court documents obtained by WCVB, Griswold entered the kitchen to wash his plate when Lombardi, concerned about his roommate’s frequent sneezing, became upset. Lombardi allegedly told police he didn’t want Griswold contaminating the food and shoved him away, resulting in Griswold falling and hitting his head on the floor.
Lombardi claimed to investigators that Griswold’s fall was unintentional, saying the older man’s feet “got tangled up.” However, first responders found Griswold lying face-up in a pool of blood, unconscious from the fatal injury.
The roommates, friends for over 30 years, had been living together for more than two decades. On Thanksgiving, tensions reportedly escalated when Griswold approached the cooking area near leftovers cooling by the sink.
Prosecutors told the court that Lombardi admitted to pushing Griswold because of his concern over hygiene, citing his roommate’s frequent sneezing. The district attorney’s office revealed that Lombardi called 911 after Griswold failed to get up.
Lombardi now faces charges of assault and battery on a person 60 and over, causing serious injury, and involuntary manslaughter. He pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 4.
The case highlights a shocking turn of events between longtime friends, leaving a tragic ending to a shared holiday celebration.
