Man Charged With Stabbing Parents And Girlfriend With Scissors Inside Acton Home
ACTON (CBS) – An Acton man was arrested after he allegedly stabbed his parents and girlfriend with a pair of scissors.
Police were called to a home on Haynes Court around 10:30 p.m. Thursday and found the wounded. A 57-year-old man suffered life-threatening injuries, a 56-year-old woman had superficial injuries, and a 28-year-old woman was seriously injured.
Benjamin DiCristina, 25, is charged with two counts of armed assault with intent to murder, two counts of assault and battery causing serious bodily injury, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, domestic assault and battery and strangulation.
In court on Friday, prosecutors said DiCristina had been at a hospital's mental health unit on Thursday. Later in the day when the family returned home, DiCristina's mother found him in his room choking his girlfriend, police said.
When DiCristina's father tried to intervene, his son stabbed him several times with a pair of scissors. DiCristina's mother was stabbed several times in the neck and his girlfriend was stabbed in the chest.
During the violent incident, one of the women was able to call 911. DiCristina was allegedly yelling during the incident that devil made him do it.
Prosecutors said in court on Friday that DiCristina's father is not expected to survive. DiCristina, who did not speak during his arraignment and stood with his long hair covering his face, has a history of mental health issues. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
DiCristina returned to the courtroom several hours later, this time showing his face. A court psychologist said DiCristina is in the throes of a psychotic episode.
A judge ordered DiCristina undergo a 20-day psych eval to determine competency. He is due back in court October 25.