Hopkinton Man Charged with Attempted Murder in Beach Incident Released on Bail
A 70-year-old man named Steven Dana has been charged with attempted murder, strangulation/suffocation, and assault and battery on a disabled person following an incident at Sandy Beach in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. The altercation involved Dana allegedly trying to drown a 21-year-old man, Matt Duffy, who was on crutches. The incident was captured on video, showing Dana slapping Duffy before a struggle ensued in the water. The confrontation reportedly began over a dispute about the use of a jet ski on Lake Maspenock, which is restricted to Hopkinton residents. Despite the serious nature of the charges, Framingham District Court Judge Michael Callahan released Dana on a $7,500 bail, citing his lack of prior criminal history. Dana has been ordered to stay away from Sandy Beach and the victim. Duffy, who has multiple broken limbs, was taken to the hospital following the incident to assess any further injuries.