Massachusetts – A 24-year-old woman, identified as N. Nelson, has been charged with murder and cruelty to animals after allegedly stabbing her 65-year-old boyfriend, J. Donahue, dozens of times and attempting to hide his body in a chillingly calculated manner.
The disturbing crime took place on February 2, when Nelson is accused of stabbing Donahue 67 times in the chest and head while aboard his houseboat, before attempting to conceal his body.
The Brutal Crime Scene
Nelson allegedly left part of the knife blade lodged in Donahue’s forehead, then wrapped his body in a carpet, bound it with duct tape and jump rope, and attempted to weigh the body down with dumbbells.
Police were dispatched to Donahue’s houseboat after someone requested a welfare check. Officers arrived at around 10:43 p.m., where they were met by Nelson, who initially gave contradictory responses about Donahue’s whereabouts.
After repeatedly receiving nonsensical answers, the officers entered the boat, performing a sweep of the area. Just beyond the glass doors of the bedroom, they found Donahue’s body, wrapped and bound in the manner Nelson had allegedly used in an attempt to dispose of him.
Dumbbells and a jump rope were tied around the body, confirming that the woman had tried to weigh down the body in a nearby waterway.
Shocking Details and Evidence
The medical examiner’s report revealed the full extent of the brutality Donahue suffered. He had endured 67 stab wounds to his chest and head, with part of the knife blade still lodged in his forehead.
A dive team later recovered the matching knife in the water near the marina, confirming it as the murder weapon. Investigators also found two pink fake fingernails on Donahue’s body—nails that Nelson later admitted belonged to her.
Additionally, there was extensive blood staining throughout the houseboat, particularly on a bedsheet that was used as a curtain. In a tragic discovery, Donahue’s dog was found dead in the water nearby, and a necropsy revealed that the dog had been strangled.
Erratic Behavior and Mental Health Concerns
Nelson’s behavior throughout the investigation raised further suspicions. After being arrested, she gave officers a fake name, calling herself “Mary,” which further fueled concerns about her mental state.
Following her arrest, Nelson’s defense team raised questions about her mental fitness to stand trial, prompting the court to order a mental health evaluation in April.
The evaluation revealed that Nelson showed signs of a psychotic disorder, though the symptoms seemed to lessen once she began taking prescribed medication.
The court clinician noted that Nelson “lacks understanding of the seriousness of the charges” she faces, making it more difficult for the legal process to proceed smoothly.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Nelson has been formally charged with murder and animal cruelty for the death of Donahue and his dog. She was previously ordered to undergo a mental evaluation, and after missing a court appearance in May, she was remanded to custody without bail.
Nelson is scheduled for her next court appearance on July 15, where further mental health assessments may determine how the case will proceed.
Community Impact
The horrific nature of the crime has left friends, family, and the community in shock. Prosecutor R. Muiz emphasized the violent nature of the attack, citing the number of stab wounds and the calculated efforts to hide the body.
The presence of multiple aliases and Nelson’s erratic behavior during questioning have only deepened concerns about her mental state.
As authorities continue to piece together what led to this violent and methodical act, the case raises serious questions about the balance between mental health and criminal accountability.
The community and loved ones of Donahue are left reeling from the brutal loss, as they await further developments in this disturbing case.