Massachusetts Woman Charged with Murder After Lawyer Found Stabbed on Houseboat

Boston woman charged with the murder of a lawyer found stabbed on his Charlestown houseboat, as authorities uncover a chilling crime scene.

A Massachusetts woman is facing murder charges after a lawyer was discovered brutally stabbed and wrapped in a tarp aboard his houseboat in Charlestown, a waterfront neighborhood in Boston.

Nora Nelson, 24, was arraigned on February 7 for the alleged murder of 65-year-old Joseph Donahue, who lived alone on his houseboat. Authorities found Donahue’s body during a wellness check on February 2, uncovering a gruesome scene that left investigators stunned.

A Chilling Discovery

Prosecutors revealed disturbing details during Nelson’s court appearance, describing how Donahue’s body was found wrapped in a white and blue covering, bound with duct tape, and weighed down with hand weights.

Investigators reported that Donahue had been stabbed dozens of times—so violently that the blade of the suspected murder weapon snapped off inside his skull.

Donahue lived a quiet life aboard his houseboat with his two dogs. However, when police arrived for a wellness check, they were met by Nelson, who was inside the home. Authorities noted that she was evasive and uncooperative, initially telling officers that Donahue was at a strip club.

Nelson was arrested on the spot for unrelated warrants, but it didn’t take long for officers to discover Donahue’s body hidden on the boat.

A Crime That Shook Investigators

According to reports, Donahue’s remains were wrapped in a tarp and secured with duct tape, with hand weights seemingly intended to prevent his body from floating. Divers later recovered a portion of the suspected murder weapon.

Adding to the disturbing nature of the crime, police also discovered the body of one of Donahue’s dogs in the water near the houseboat.

A Bizarre Courtroom Statement

Nelson, who is currently being held without bail, appeared shocked in court when confronted with the charges against her.

“Nobody ever told me that this even happened at my house,” she reportedly said. “This is the first time I’ve even heard of this happening at my house.”

The Unanswered Questions

Authorities have yet to determine the exact nature of the relationship between Nelson and Donahue. While the motive remains unclear, investigators are piecing together the events leading up to this brutal crime.

As the case unfolds, more details may shed light on what led to Donahue’s violent death and why Nelson was present on his houseboat when authorities arrived.

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