DORCHESTER, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) --The recovery continues Thursday for two park rangers stabbed on Boston Common, and the mother of one of the victim's spoke to FOX 25's Bob Ward.
Linda Shaughnessy said her son James Lunnin is in some pain, but doing well. The 25-year-old Dorchester resident is finally back home after being hospitalized due to a double stabbing on Boston Common.
"We're feeling very blessed that the turnout was what it was. It could have been a lot worse," Shaughnessy said.
Lunnin was stabbed several times during the attack along with another park ranger. Both were injured as a result.
New cellphone video shows the chaotic scene as Lunnin and the ranger, Al Hurd, confront the 34-year-old homeless man, Bodio Hutchinson, who is being charged in the attack.
The incident happened at about 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Lunnin and Hurd approached Hutchinson and asked him to put his cigarette out when, according to police, Hutchinson lunged at them with a knife.
Hutchinson has a violent criminal history, in court his attorney said he struggles with reality.
"It happened very quickly. It was something the park rangers weren't prepared to handle. Considering the state of mind the person was in," he said.
Lunnin served a tour of duty in Afghanistan and his mother believes his military training made all the difference.
"Actually it helped him, because he had a lot of training. He applied some of that to try and get away from the gentleman going after him and that probably saved his life," she said.
Boston park rangers carry batons and pepper spray, they do not carry firearms, which has left some wondering if it's time to change that.
City officials are trying to come up with a plan to make things safer for city park rangers.
Lunnin was able to visit Hurd at the hospital Wednesday as he is still hospitalized.
Cox Media Group
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