FRANKLIN, Mass. (AP) — A woman was murdered in her home in Franklin Friday, allegedly by her ex-husband who was setting fire to the house when police arrived, officials said.
The office of Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey identified the victim as Shirley Owen and said that Brendon Owen is expected to be arraigned on murder, home invasion and assault charges.
Brendon Owen’s attorney, Neil Madden, said Friday that it’s very early in the case and a lot of investigating still needs to be done.
Police were called to the scene Friday morning after Shirley Owen’s mother escaped from the house and sought help from the neighbor, the district attorney’s office said. Police used a taser on Brendon Owen in the driveway, then found Shirley Owen inside, the office said.
First responders performed lifesaving measures but Shirley Owen was pronounced dead at the scene. There was clear evidence of blunt force trauma, according to the district attorney.
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The former couple’s two teenage children were not at home at the time.
Shirley Owen filed for divorce in 2014 citing “irreconcilable differences” and had an active restraining order against her ex-husband, The Boston Globe reported.
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