John Christian Broderick has been charged in the weekend beating of his father, New Hampshire Supreme court justice John Broderick. Authorities say Justice Broderick was attacked in his sleep early Saturday at his Manchester home?..and was beaten beyond recognition.
Thirty year old John Christian Broderick was arrested early Sunday morning, a day after being taken into police custody at the North Manchester condominium where he lives with his parents?.the same North river road address where Justice John Broderick was beaten so severely authorities had feared for his life. Reiterating earlier comments made by NH attorney general Philip McLaughlin, assistant Ag William Delker yesterday, stressed the extent of justice Broderick?s injuries, which include multiple facial lacerations and fractures.
'Investigators from the Manchester police department and attorneys from our office see a lot of violent crime and the extent of Justice Broderick?s injuries were extremely severe and I can?t emphasize that enough ? how severe this beating was.'
While Delker says prosecutors have marshaled enough proof to charge Christian Broderick with first degree assault, a crime with a maximum punishment of 7 1/2 to 15 years, Delker refused to supply reporters with much detail at a Sunday press conference..
'The Manchester police department during the course of the day developed sufficient evidence to have probable cause to believe he did it. Beyond that I can?t gat into specifics about what that evidence was?.I can?t get into specifics.'
Delker also declined all questions about Christian Broderick?s demeanor in custody or at the time of his arrest. According to past statements made by his parents, the thirty year old has a history of depression and addiction?. factors that allegedly contributed to a 2000 fight between father and son that led to Justice Broderick being arrested ?.. According to police reports?. that fight started when Justice Broderick told his son he had eight weeks to move out of the family residence??Christian Broderick allegedly replied ?you have eight hours until you?re in the ground.? That comment prompted Justice Broderick to slap his son on the face seven or eight times??Manchester Police filed misdemeanor assault charges against Justice Broderick, but those charges were later dropped.?. Authorities have thusfar refused to divulge any knowledge of further altercations between father and son?..or if Christian Broderick has a criminal record??or has ever been diagnosed as sufferning from severe mental illness??But when asked yesterday if prosecutors thought it possible that Christian Broderick could be found incompetent to stand trial ?..Assistant Attorney general Will Delker seemed to hedge.
'That?s something that?s will obviously be an issue?..I mean I don?t know that?s an issue in this case. I don?t believe it would be. But that?s something that I?m not in any position to make a judgment on.'
Christian Broderick is scheduled to be arraigned later today at Manchester district court??His father, Justice John Broderick remains at Manchester?s Elliot hospital?.where on Saturday he?s underwent more than six hours of surgery. Authorities say further surgery is likely, but don?t believe Justice Broderick suffered permanent brain injury. He remains listed as in serious condition.
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Google
Yahoo