A Massachusetts mayor was taken into police custody last Friday after being accused of biting her husband and striking him with a crowbar during an alleged domestic dispute. The incident occurred at the couple’s residence, prompting the husband to call law enforcement officials. Upon their arrival, the husband informed the officers that they had been arguing about marital issues before the situation escalated into physical violence.
According to police reports obtained by WCVB and the Boston Globe, the mayor’s husband claimed that his wife had bitten him on his left forearm during the heated exchange. He further stated that she grabbed a small crowbar or gasket cleaner and struck him with it on his right hand/knuckle area. The police report also mentioned an open wound resembling a bite mark, as well as “multiple open wounds” on the husband’s knuckles.
Additionally, Shaunna O’Connell was accused of jumping on the hood of her husband’s car when he attempted to drive away from the scene, resulting in visible dents on the vehicle. While inside their home, she claimed that her husband had been “verbally abusive” toward her during the altercation. However, Shaunna O’Connell pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and battery on a household member, as well as assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
Footage captured by WCVB showed Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell holding hands with her husband outside the courthouse following her hearing. Though she remained silent, Ted O’Connell issued an apology on behalf of the couple. I apologize for calling the police,” he said. I apologize to my wife and the people of Taunton. It was a huge mistake.
The couple acknowledged their struggles in a joint statement released through the Boston Globe, stating that they have faced challenges like any other couple and are working through their marital issues. They asked for privacy while addressing these personal matters. The Republican mayor has been married for over 25 years, according to information on her campaign website.
