[nagdu] Massachusetts man tried to murder blind wife, kicked guide dog

[Ginger Kutsch]

Massachusetts man tried to murder blind wife, kicked guide dog

Sentinel & Enterprisesenlandenterprise.com

Posted:   11/29/2012 06:38:05 AM EST

http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/local/ci_22088860/police-fitchburg-man-
tried-murder-blind-wife-kicked  

 

 

FITCHBURG, MA -- A Fitchburg man is being held without bail pending a
dangerousness hearing after he was arrested on charges he tried to kill his
legally blind wife and kick her guide dog late Tuesday night, according to
court documents. 

 

Thomas J. Lanigan, 58, of 120 Academy St., is charged with attempted murder,
assault and battery, assault with a dangerous weapon (knife) and cruelty to
animals. 

 

According to a police report included with court documents, Lanigan's wife
said they were watching television when an intoxicated Lanigan began to try
to scare her guide dog. She asked Lanigan to stop several times, and he
became enraged and allegedly kicked the dog so hard that she yelped. 

 

The wife attempted to leave the house and run toward the police station, but
Lanigan allegedly chased her and began striking her in the head with an open
palm, the report states. Lanigan then brought her back inside the house,
where he allegedly punched her in the face and threw her on the ground. He
then allegedly attempted to smother and then strangle her as he verbally
threatened to kill her, according to the report. 

 

Lanigan's wife told police she lost consciousness and when she woke up,
Lanigan allegedly grabbed a knife he keeps by the bed and threatened to
slice her throat. She was able to escape and lock herself in the bathroom,
where she called police. 

 

Lanigan was arraigned in Fitchburg District Court on Wednesday, and his
dangerousness hearing is scheduled for Monday.