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CONCORD – Benjamin DiCristina and his mother have asked for help for his mental health problems in a local hospital, but have been sent home, a prosecutor said Friday.
DiCristina appeared in Concord District Court Friday to face numerous charges related to the incident that occurred at the family home in Haynes Court, Acton, around 10:30 pm. Thursday. In court, DiCristina stood up and leaned forward, her long hair completely covering her face.
The trouble began when DiCristina's mother heard her son screaming in his room, rushed into the room and found his 25-year-old son above his girlfriend, hands around his neck, said Middlesex District Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Dunigan.
The 56-year-old mother tried to intervene, followed by DiCristina's 57-year-old father. The mother had superficial injuries, but DiCristina's father was stabbed in the neck and should not survive, Dunigan said.
When Acton's police arrived, the father was unconscious and he, along with his 28-year-old girlfriend, and his wife were taken to local hospitals for treatment, the prosecutor said.
Benjamin DiCristina first locked himself in the bathroom and when the police arrived he was holding scissors, screaming and did not make much sense, said the prosecutor. He was subsequently detained.
Dunigan said DiCristina appeared to have a history of mental health issues and had visited a hospital Thursday afternoon with her mother. He was briefly seen by medical staff, referred to a partial treatment program and sent home.
A plea of not guilty was entered on behalf of DiCristina at the time of the indictment. He was ordered to undergo an assessment of his mental health.
DiCristina was charged with two counts of assault with intent to commit murder, two counts of assault and aggravated assault, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery. strangulation, according to Ryan's office.
A police dispatcher from Acton, on Friday, forwarded all questions to Ryan's office.
Jonathan Wiggs / Globe Staff
Police investigators worked on the scene in front of Haynes Court House in Acton.
Emily Sweeney can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @emilysweeney.
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