HUDSON, Mass. — A Massachusetts man accused of beating his 90-year-old grandmother to death with a skateboard in a brutal attack on Tuesday has been ordered held without bail pending a 20-day psychiatric evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital.
Devin Dube, 29, of Hudson, was arraigned Wednesday in Marlborough District Court on charges of murder, assault and battery causing serious bodily injury over 60, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon over 60, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf.
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Officers responded to a house on Munson Street in Hudson just after 3 p.m. on March 31 after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting that a man was attacking family members with a skateboard, Marian Ryan announced during a news conference at the Hudson Police Department earlier in the day.
Ryan said Dube attacked his grandmother, Elaine Dube, in the home’s basement apartment, where she lived, “striking her several times with a skateboard.”
The victim was rushed to UMass Medical Center in Worcester, where she died from her injuries. The other two victims were treated and released.
After the fatal beating, Ryan said Dube struck his sister and father with the skateboard, fleeing the home before officers arrived.
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Investigators later found Dube hiding in a van on Tower Street, where he was arrested without further incident, according to Ryan.
Ryan noted that Dube had been in “contact” with Hudson police before, but “never behavior of this level.”
Court records obtained by Boston 25 News indicate that Dube has a criminal history dating back to 2020, including assault, disorderly conduct, threatening to commit a crime, breaking and entering, property damage, and violating a harassment prevention order.
Dr. Hilary Novak, a designated forensic psychologist, told the court during the arraignment that Dube was showing “a number of psychiatric symptoms,” including ongoing auditory hallucinations and a history of schizophrenia.
She then recommended to the judge that he receive further evaluation of his competence to stand trial.
“Given the nature of the charges and history of alleged assaultive behavior, I do recommend the strict security of Bridgewater State Hospital,” Novak told the court.
Hudson Police Chief Richard DiPersio called the incident a “senseless tragedy,” expressing condolences to the family of the victim.
DiPersio also warned neighbors of an increased police presence near the home as the investigation continues.
“There is no ongoing threat to the public,” DiPersio assured residents. “This was not a random act of violence.”
Ryan and DiPersio didn’t comment on a motive in the attack.
Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to Ryan’s office are assisting the Hudson Police Department with the investigation.
Dube is due back in court on April 17 for a probable cause hearing.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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