Man kills 80-year-old roommate with a sneezing habit for being too close to food prepared for Thanksgiving celebrations

A man in Marshfield, Massachusetts, has been accused of killing his 80-year-old roommate, Frank Griswold, after a dispute in their kitchen on Wednesday. Police claim Richard Lombardi, 65, assaulted Griswold at their home on Main Street after becoming upset that his roommate was too close to the food Lombardi was preparing for Thanksgiving, reported WCVB.

Lombardi has been charged with assault and battery on a person aged 60 or older, causing serious injury, and involuntary manslaughter. He pleaded not guilty in Plymouth District Court. According to court records, Lombardi told police that he and Griswold got into an argument because Lombardi didn't want Griswold near the food, fearing that Griswold, who "often sneezes," might contaminate it. Lombardi claimed he left the kitchen but returned to find Griswold near the food again. Lombardi said he then grabbed his roommate from behind, threw him aside, and believed Griswold's feet got tangled, causing him to fall and hit his head on the floor.

Lombardi reportedly called 911 when he discovered Griswold unconscious and bleeding from his head. Emergency responders found Griswold lying face-up in the kitchen, surrounded by blood, with cuts on his face.


Lombardi's attorney, Marshall Johnson, said that Lombardi and Griswold had been friends for over 30 years and roommates for more than 20. Johnson described Lombardi as being devastated by the death of his long-time friend. Lombardi, who had lived with Griswold at the same home since 2008, was reportedly shocked when he learned of Griswold's passing.

Lombardi is being held without bail and is scheduled for his next court appearance on December 4.