Pensioner Charged With Attempted Murder After Allegedly Trying To Drown Man On Crutches

A 70-year-old man in Massachusetts has been charged with attempted murder, strangulation/suffocation, and assault and battery on a disabled person after a violent attack on a 21-year-old man near a lake, according to verified court records and local news reports. The incident, captured on disturbing video footage, has drawn widespread attention to rising tensions over public access to natural spaces in the state.

Alleged Attack on Disabled Man Sparks Outrage

Steven Dana, a resident of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, is accused of suffocating Matt Duffy, 21, during a confrontation over lake access on June 5, 2026. Court documents obtained by News Directory 3 confirm that Dana pleaded not guilty to all charges at a preliminary arraignment held June 6, 2026. The charges include:

• Attempted murder
• Strangulation/suffocation
• Assault and battery on a disabled person

Prosecutors allege that the attack occurred after Duffy, who uses crutches, was denied access to Sandy Beach—a public lake area in Hopkinton—by Dana. Witnesses reported that Dana forcibly held Duffy underwater in an attempt to subdue him, according to the video evidence reviewed by local authorities. The incident has reignited debates over public safety, accessibility, and the escalation of conflicts in shared recreational spaces.

Video Evidence and Public Reaction

The attack was captured on video and widely shared online, prompting immediate condemnation from community leaders and disability rights advocates. The footage, which shows Dana physically restraining Duffy near the water’s edge, has been described by law enforcement as “graphic and disturbing.” While the video does not provide a full account of the confrontation’s origins, it confirms the severity of the assault and Duffy’s struggle to escape.

Local officials have not yet released additional details about the confrontation’s triggers, though reports suggest tensions over lake access have risen in recent months. Hopkinton police confirmed in a statement that the investigation remains ongoing, with authorities reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements, and medical records related to Duffy’s injuries. No bail has been set for Dana pending further proceedings.

Broader Context: Public Access and Disability Rights

The incident has drawn parallels to other recent cases involving conflicts over public lands and natural resources. In Massachusetts alone, similar disputes have led to legal actions and heightened security measures at state parks and beaches. Advocacy groups have called for stricter enforcement of accessibility laws and community mediation programs to prevent such violent escalations.

Duffy, who has not publicly commented on the attack, is recovering from his injuries. His legal team has not yet issued a statement, though local disability rights organizations have expressed support for his case. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which advocates for individuals with mobility challenges, urged the public to “treat access to public spaces as a fundamental right, not a privilege.”

Next Steps in the Legal Process

Dana’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 1, 2026, when prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence. If convicted, he faces potential life imprisonment under Massachusetts’ assault and attempted murder statutes. The case has also prompted calls for mandatory de-escalation training in communities with high incidences of public land disputes.

For those affected by similar incidents or seeking information on public access rights, the following resources are available:

• Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
• Massachusetts Office on Disability
• Massachusetts Parks & Recreation

This article is based on verified court records, local law enforcement statements, and confirmed reporting from June 6, 2026. No additional details have been attributed to unverified sources.