DA Thanks MPD for Quick Action in Attempted Murder Case

Months after the responded to a domestic violence call that ended up with a local woman severely burned and in critical condition, the Middlesex District Attorney's office has indicted a Stoneham man on an array of charges including intent to murder. 

Edouard Pierre-Charles, 28, of Stoneham, was indicted by a Middlesex grand jury and arraigned on charges of mayhem, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, armed assault with the intent to murder, and resisting arrest.  Middlesex Superior Court Clerk Magistrate Michael Sullivan ordered the defendant held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing which is scheduled for September 28.

“This defendant is alleged to have poured a flammable substance over the victim and intentionally set her on fire, in a very disturbing and troubling case of domestic violence” District Attorney Gerard Leone said. “We commend the Marlborough Police Department for their swift response and apprehension and arrest of this defendant. We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who attempt to exert power and control over others, resulting in life-threatening situations.” 

Shortly after 11:30 p.m. on the evening of June 18, police responded to 51 Liberty St. and found the victim in the street covered in a blanket and screaming. She had received second and third degree burns to her back, arms and hands, after her boyfriend allegedly intentionally poured a chemical accelerant on her during a domestic argument then proceeded to light her on fire, police said. The victim was treated at the scene and was still burning in places when first responders arrived. She was transported to Umass Worcester with second and third degree burns that have left victim scarred. 

A relative of the victim and witness told police that the defendant poured nail polish remover over the victim and set her on fire with a lighter inside the victim’s home. The victim and the relative immediately ran out of the residence, said a release from the Middlesex DA's office.

At approximately 12 p.m., on June 19, Marlborough police responded to a residence in Marlborough where they learned the defendant was hiding. After a brief struggle, the defendant was arrested and taken into custody, said the release. He was arraigned in on June 20 where Judge Sarah Singer ordered him held without bail. He was indicted by a Middlesex grand jury on September 15.

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