Parents of suspect in random supermarket stabbing say son is mentally ill

NEWTON, Mass. — The parents of a 23-year-old man accused of stabbing a 79-year-old shopper inside a Newton supermarket Monday say their son suffers from mental illness.

Newton police say Matthew Muradov, of Newton, stabbed the victim in Star Market on Commonwealth Avenue, shortly before 2 p.m. The victim was treated at Newton-Wellesley Hospital with injuries that are considered not life-threatening.

Arriving officers found Muradov standing outside the Auburndale supermarket and arrested him, charging him with armed assault with intent to murder a person over 60 and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60.

Muradov's parents told Boston 25 News Monday their son had been released from the hospital and taken off his medication two days before the attack. They claim he has heard voices and suffered from hallucinations for years.

"He was admitted to the hospital," the suspect's father said. "He’s been there four weeks. He’s been released early, because insurance won’t cover his stay in [the] hospital."

"We fought for Matthew for five years," the suspect's mother said. "He was hospitalized eight times. I asked for a doctor many times."

Matthew Muradov's father said he had been inside the grocery store with his son Monday, but he was at the register paying for water when the attack happened.

"I was trying to keep him close. I was trying to take him for a ride, and we went to the store," his father said. "I didn’t even see what happened over there, because I saw him leaving the store, and I paid for my water and went out for him. I said, ‘Matt, what happened?’ And police pulled over, and somebody started pointing at him."

A shopping cart remained wrapped in crime scene tape as police investigated the attack Monday afternoon.

Matthew Muradov's parents expressed sympathy for the victim's family while promising to support their son in court.

"We're so sorry. We're happy that this man is okay. I'm very sorry [for what] his family [has] been through," the suspect's mother said. "I'm worried for my son, what happens to him now, because he's in active psychosis and he should be hospitalized and have proper care."

Muradov will be arraigned in Newton District Court on Tuesday.

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